Foreign Minister Saud Highlights Indian Ocean’s Significance for Nepal at Perth Conference

Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Prakash Saud, delivered a keynote address at the Seventh Indian Ocean Conference in Perth, Australia. Emphasizing the crucial role of the Indian Ocean for landlocked countries like Nepal, Minister Saud underscored the ocean’s significance as a gateway to international markets and stressed the importance of ensuring its stability and sustainability.

Addressing the audience, Minister Saud highlighted the organic link between the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean, advocating for an integrated and holistic approach to addressing issues related to both ocean and mountain regions.

During his visit to Perth, Minister Saud also engaged in bilateral discussions with key stakeholders. He met with Ms. Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia at the National Security Council of the United States of America, to explore areas of mutual interest and cooperation.

Additionally, Minister Saud held a courtesy meeting with Mr. Komura Masahiro, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, where they discussed various aspects of the Nepal-Japan relations, reaffirming the commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties.

In the margins of the Indian Ocean Conference, Minister Saud also had a courtesy meeting with Mr. Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). During the meeting, Secretary General Pandey provided an overview of the current status of cooperation among BIMSTEC member states across various sectors.

Furthermore, Minister Saud took the opportunity to engage with the Nepali community in Australia, focusing on ensuring their welfare and exploring opportunities for collaboration to enhance Nepal’s economic prosperity.

Minister Saud’s participation in the Seventh Indian Ocean Conference and his series of bilateral engagements underscore Nepal’s commitment to regional cooperation and collaboration, as well as its proactive engagement on matters of global significance.