UN Secretary-General Guterres Embarks on Historic Nepal Visit

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has touched down in Nepal for a significant four-day official visit, marking an occasion of immense importance for both the United Nations and the Himalayan nation. Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest in the VVIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. The scene was adorned with the presence of high-ranking officials from the Government of Nepal and UN Office in Nepal representatives. Furthermore, the Nepal Army paid its respects to Secretary-General Guterres with a solemn guard of honor.

Guterres’ visit to Nepal was extended at the invitation of Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic interaction.

On the inaugural day of his visit, Secretary-General Guterres is scheduled to engage in a courtesy call with President Ramchandra Paudel at the Office of the President. He will also confer with Prime Minister Dahal at the Prime Minister’s office. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that the Secretary-General will hold separate meetings with Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli at the Federal Parliament Building located in New Baneshwor.

Furthermore, Guterres is set to have discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister duo, Purna Bahadur Khadka and Narayankaji Shrestha. Following these diplomatic deliberations, the Secretary-General will have the opportunity to visit the historically and archaeologically significant Patan Durbar Square, an acclaimed heritage site.

Prime Minister Dahal has also planned a banquet reception on Sunday evening, offering a warm and hospitable welcome to Secretary-General Guterres.

In the subsequent phases of his visit, the Secretary-General will journey to Namche, Pokhara, Annapurna Base Camp, and Lumbini on Monday. On Tuesday, at 4:00 pm, Guterres will address the joint session of the federal parliament, marking a momentous occasion in his visit to Nepal.

During his stay, Secretary-General Guterres is slated to engage in discussions encompassing the peace process, sustainable development, and climate change. This historic high-level visit marks a significant milestone, as it is the first visit to Nepal by the UN Secretary-General since assuming office in 2017.

The visit is of paramount importance for both Nepal and the United Nations, promising to further strengthen diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two entities. It signifies a reinvigorated commitment to addressing critical global challenges such as peace, development, and climate change.