FM Gyawali, UK State Minister discuss COVID-19 pandemic during virtual talks

Kathmandu / Aug 27: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held a virtual meeting with State Minister of Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom Lord Ahmed on Thursday.

During the meeting, the Ministers exchanged views on various matters of mutual interest, including cooperation in the context of COVID-19 and climate change, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also expressed sympathies and solidarity to each other on the loss of life and sufferings since the onset of the pandemic.

While thanking the United Kingdom for the support provided to Nepal’s socioeconomic development particularly the health sector, Foreign Minister Gyawali stressed the need for continuing partnership between the two countries in the aftermath of COVID pandemic. State Minister of UK Ahmed vowed to continue assistance to Nepal.

Recalling the Global Vaccine Summit held on 4 June 2020, in which President of Nepal had sent video message, the two sides exchanged views on the ongoing research and development of anti-COVID vaccine, according to the press release.

On the occasion, the UK state minister said that the United Kingdom, the host for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) to be held in November 2021, is looking forward to Nepal’s active participation in this global dialogue.

Minister Gyawali appreciated the British initiative and assured that Nepal will continue to engage in deliberations towards reducing the effects of climate change, preserving mountain ecosystems, and supporting sustainable development, the ministry stated in the press release.

The two Ministers, while agreeing to work together on the common areas of climate action, expressed the hope that the outcome to be produced at the Sagarmatha Sambaad next year, will help inform the wider deliberations of the COP26.

“The two Ministers also shared their views about holding the next round of Nepal-UK Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting virtually between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office within the next few months,” the press release added.