Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana, has left for Oman today. She is leading a four-member Nepali team to the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference. The conference will be held in Muscat, the capital of Oman, from today until February 20.
At Tribhuvan International Airport, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other Ministry officials bid Minister Rana farewell before her departure.
Attending the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference
Minister Rana is attending the conference at the invitation of Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The theme of the conference is “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” The conference aims to bring together leaders and experts from countries around the world to discuss maritime issues and regional cooperation.
A Platform for Global South Voices
During the conference, Minister Rana will speak at a session titled “Amplifying the Voice of the Global South.” This session will focus on ensuring that countries from the Global South have a stronger voice in global discussions. Nepal, as a member of the Global South, has often called for more attention to the challenges faced by these countries. Minister Rana’s speech will highlight Nepal’s position on global issues such as climate change and trade.
Bilateral Meetings in Oman
In addition to attending the conference, Minister Rana will meet with key officials in Oman. She will hold talks with Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. These discussions will aim to strengthen Nepal’s relations with Oman in various areas such as trade, tourism, and regional cooperation.
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
During her visit, Minister Rana is expected to sign several MoUs. These agreements will cover areas of mutual cooperation between Nepal and Oman. While the exact details of the MoUs have not been revealed, they are expected to focus on economic cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchange. The signing of these MoUs will help build stronger ties between the two countries.
Virtual Meeting with Nepali Diplomats
A significant part of Minister Rana’s visit is a virtual meeting she will hold with Nepali diplomats in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The meeting will take place while she is in Muscat. It will provide an opportunity for Minister Rana to discuss issues related to the Nepali community in the GCC countries. She will also hear from Nepal’s ambassadors and heads of missions about their work and challenges in these countries.
The virtual meeting will focus on strengthening Nepal’s diplomatic presence in the GCC region. It will also address any issues facing the Nepali diaspora living in these countries.
Minister Rana will return to Nepal on February 20 after completing her visit to Oman. Her trip to the Indian Ocean Conference and her meetings with Omani officials will help advance Nepal’s diplomatic efforts in the region.
Importance of Nepal’s Foreign Relations
Minister Rana’s visit highlights Nepal’s growing engagement with countries outside its immediate neighborhood. The Indian Ocean region is becoming increasingly important for trade, security, and diplomacy. By attending this conference, Minister Rana is ensuring that Nepal’s voice is heard in regional and global discussions.
Oman plays a key role in this region, and strengthening ties with the country will benefit Nepal in several ways. These include improving trade relations, increasing tourism, and cooperating on issues such as energy and climate change. Nepal’s growing diplomatic presence in the region will help build stronger relationships with other countries in the Indian Ocean region.
Minister Rana will also meet with Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals. The talks will focus on possible cooperation in energy, especially renewable energy. Nepal has a growing energy sector, and Oman’s experience in energy production could be helpful for Nepal’s development.
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