Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Sudurpaschim Province

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the development and advancement of Sudurpaschim Province. During a meeting with delegates from the Sudurpaschim Sarokar Manch, Minister Rana emphasized her dedication to improving health, gender equality, reproductive health, and safe motherhood in the region, regardless of her holding a public office.

Expressing deep concern over the increasing suicide rates in Nepal, Minister Rana highlighted that Sudurpaschim Province has a higher rate of suicides compared to other provinces. She urged the Manch to take action and pointed out that 15% of those who committed suicide were under the age of 20, calling it a “grave situation.” She advocated for the establishment of psychosocial counseling centers at every local level and for scaling up mental health initiatives.

The visiting delegation thanked Foreign Minister Rana for her efforts in raising issues related to local development projects in Sudurpaschim Province and border-related matters during her recent official visit to India. They commended her for advancing the Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project and urged her to continue her efforts for its effective implementation.

Minister Rana was also recognized for addressing the need to upgrade and operate the Gauriphanta checkpoint at full capacity and for her initiative to construct a multipurpose sports ground in Phapla, Dhangadhi. She pledged to continue working on improving border points and security posts across all bordering countries.

The Manch’s President, Bahadur Singh Bista, and other members extended their best wishes to Minister Rana for a successful tenure as Foreign Minister and honored her for representing the remote region of Sudurpaschim Province in this esteemed role.