Foreign Minister Saud and Sri Lankan Counterpart Discuss Air Connectivity, Climate, and Cooperation

In a significant diplomatic development, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Narayan Prakash Saud, met with his Sri Lankan counterpart, M. U. M. Ali Sabry, ahead of the inaugural session of the Nepal-Sri Lanka Joint Commission (JC) held in Kathmandu today.

Minister Ali Sabry arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday for the two-day Joint Commission meeting scheduled for December 21-22, 2023. The primary objective of his visit is to participate in the discussions and deliberations aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two South Asian nations.

During their preliminary meeting, the ministers acknowledged the positive initiation of the Kathmandu-Colombo air link and explored the potential establishment of a Colombo-Lumbini air connection. The talks also touched upon the prospect of transferring three Nepali prisoners currently in Sri Lanka.

In addition to bilateral matters, the ministers addressed the shared challenges of climate change affecting both nations. The meeting laid the groundwork for discussions on strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change and collaborate on sustainable solutions.

Simultaneously, the Joint Commission meeting commenced today, with Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud leading the Nepali delegation. The discussions, attended by Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and high-ranking government representatives, focused on enhancing trade and investment, fostering cooperation in culture, tourism, and education, and collaborating on various multilateral fronts.

As part of the diplomatic engagements, a memorandum of understanding is set to be signed later today between Nepal and Sri Lanka, specifically addressing cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. This signifies a commitment to fostering scientific collaboration and innovation between the two nations.

The Nepal-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, showcasing a shared commitment to strengthening ties across various sectors for mutual benefit and regional prosperity.