On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal announced that the international community is strongly united and eager to assist Nepal in recovering from the severe floods caused by the Bhotekoshi River. After returning from the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, he confirmed that Kathmandu and New Delhi are collaborating to schedule Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming official visit to India.
These announcements highlight Nepal’s key diplomatic goals: obtaining multilateral disaster aid and strengthening important bilateral relationships in South Asia.
Global Support for Bhotekoshi Disaster Recovery and Climate Justice
During a press briefing at Tribhuvan International Airport, Minister Khanal mentioned that meetings in New York led to significant commitments for Nepal’s reconstruction and long-term climate adaptation following the floods:
- Multilateral Engagement: Representatives from foreign governments, international development partners, and UN agencies expressed deep sympathy for the human and infrastructure losses from the Bhotekoshi floods.
- Loss and Damage Financing: Highlighting Nepal’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, Khanal noted that international delegates showed strong support for Nepal’s requests to the UN-backed Loss and Damage Fund to rebuild roads, bridges, and public infrastructure.
- Reconstruction Support: Foreign delegates pledged technical and financial assistance for rebuilding climate-resilient infrastructure in the affected central and northern districts.
Outcome-Focused Preparation for Prime Minister’s India Visit
In response to inquiries about high-level diplomatic activities, Foreign Minister Khanal stated that preparations are underway for Prime Minister Oli’s official visit to India.
- Emphasis on Tangible Results: The Foreign Minister emphasized that both nations are working to ensure the visit results in concrete agreements on cross-border connectivity, energy trade, economic cooperation, and trade infrastructure.
- Diplomatic Coordination: Diplomatic channels between Kathmandu and New Delhi are actively arranging the visit’s itinerary and bilateral agenda to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Timely Execution: The visit will take place at a mutually agreed-upon time, once all technical, economic, and diplomatic preparations are complete.