US Senator Chris Van Hollen to Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through Visit to Nepal

Renowned US Senator Chris Van Hollen, a distinguished member of the US Senate Foreign Affairs and Appropriations Sub-Committee on State and Foreign Operations, is poised to embark on a diplomatic journey to Nepal. Scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu during the first week of September, Senator Hollen’s visit holds the promise of fostering deeper connections between the United States and the Himalayan nation.

Amid his visit, Senator Hollen is anticipated to engage in substantive discussions with a diverse spectrum of stakeholders. This encompasses meetings with esteemed government officials, the dynamic cadre of youth leaders, parliamentarians, representatives from civil society organizations, non-profit entities, and forward-thinking business personalities. The Senator’s secretariat has disclosed that the visit aims to create platforms for fruitful exchanges and shared perspectives on pertinent matters.

Senator Hollen’s official itinerary spans beyond Nepal, extending his diplomatic outreach to include Sri Lanka and the Maldives. As a Co-Chair and co-founder of the bipartisan Foreign Service Caucus, Senator Hollen seeks to express gratitude to the dedicated individuals in the Foreign Service, as well as all American representatives serving overseas, for their steadfast commitment to their country. In the course of his journey, the Senator is slated to visit a range of projects and culturally significant locations supported by the United States.

The overarching objective of this diplomatic endeavor is to fortify the existing ties between the United States and each of the countries on Senator Hollen’s itinerary. The multifaceted approach envisions enhanced security cooperation, deeper economic entwinement, concerted efforts to combat climate change, and the advancement of democratic principles and human rights. The Senator’s secretariat emphasized the collective commitment to these shared values.

During his stay in Nepal, Senator Hollen is primed to engage with governmental dignitaries, emerging youth leaders, parliamentary members, and enterprising entrepreneurs. The focus lies in consolidating both political and commercial connections between the United States and Nepal. Additionally, the Senator aims to spotlight the considerable US support extended to Nepal, encompassing crucial investments in the nation’s health sector, as well as transformative initiatives in the domains of power and transportation infrastructure.

Hailing from the state of Maryland, Senator Hollen stands as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party’s ranks. His involvement in Nepal has extended to virtual discussions with the country’s youth leaders, an event orchestrated in collaboration with the office of Maryland State Delegate Dr. Harry Bhandari in 2021. Senator Hollen has been instrumental in coordinating vital medical supplies, including vaccines, from the US to Nepal during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, his endeavors include legislative efforts to confer permanent residency status to Nepali individuals in the United States through the framework of Temporary Protected Status (TPS).