Nepal has formally sought Egypt’s assistance in securing the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen held hostage by Hamas militants since October 7, 2023. In a diplomatic move, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a telephone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Wednesday, reiterating Nepal’s request for Egypt’s mediation in the matter.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) released an official statement highlighting Oli’s appreciation for Egypt’s role in brokering a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. He urged President Al-Sisi to continue extending diplomatic efforts toward Joshi’s release. In response, Al-Sisi assured Nepal that Egypt would prioritize efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages, including Joshi, in the second phase of the ongoing negotiations.
Joshi’s Whereabouts and Ongoing Negotiations
Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student participating in the “Learn and Earn” agricultural study program, was abducted by Hamas militants from Alumim Kibbutz in Israel. He was among 251 individuals taken hostage during the Hamas attack. While multiple hostage releases have taken place through mediated agreements, Joshi remains in captivity, with no confirmed information on his current condition.
Egypt has been instrumental in negotiations between Hamas and Israel, securing the release of several hostages through diplomatic channels. Experts believe that Egypt’s continued involvement could be crucial in ensuring Joshi’s safe return.
Nepal’s Diplomatic Outreach
Nepal has been actively seeking international support for Joshi’s release. The government has engaged with Israel, Qatar, and Egypt, urging them to facilitate negotiations with Hamas. Prime Minister Oli’s latest discussion with Al-Sisi is part of Nepal’s broader diplomatic effort to ensure the safe return of its citizen.
Foreign policy analysts state that Nepal’s efforts align with global diplomatic approaches in resolving hostage crises through third-party mediators. Dr. Rajan Bhattarai, a foreign affairs expert, remarked, “Nepal’s diplomatic outreach, particularly towards Egypt, demonstrates strategic engagement in global diplomacy. Given Egypt’s role in previous hostage releases, this request is timely and well-placed.”
Egypt-Nepal Relations and Sagarmatha Sambad
Apart from discussing Joshi’s release, Prime Minister Oli invited President Al-Sisi to participate in the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambad, Nepal’s flagship international dialogue on climate change and sustainability. Scheduled to take place in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18, the event will bring together over 160 to 200 foreign delegates, including world leaders, environmental experts, and donor agencies.
Egypt’s leader acknowledged Nepal’s initiative and extended his best wishes for the forum’s success. Sagarmatha Sambad’s theme for 2025, “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity,” aims to address the pressing environmental challenges faced by mountain regions worldwide. Nepal has invited global stakeholders to participate in discussions and collaborative action on climate resilience.
Growing Bilateral Ties and Future Cooperation
During their conversation, Oli and Al-Sisi also discussed bilateral relations, multilateral cooperation, and potential high-level visits. Nepal and Egypt have maintained friendly diplomatic relations, and both leaders emphasized their commitment to further strengthening these ties through trade, education, and climate action initiatives.
Nepal continues to monitor developments regarding Joshi’s situation and remains in close contact with Egypt and other international stakeholders. As the hostage negotiations progress, the government has assured Joshi’s family and the Nepali public that all possible efforts are being made to bring him home safely.
