Discussion on bilateral cooperation between Nepal and Switzerland
The fifth meeting of the Switzerland bilateral consultation mechanism has been held. The meeting was held on the occasion of the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Switzerland. In the meeting, the overall relations and various aspects of cooperation between the two countries were reviewed. Both sides, during the meeting, appreciated the long-standing friendship and close partnership between the two countries and expressed commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in the days to come. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nepali side informed the Swiss side about the recent political and economic situation in Nepal, presenting good governance, corruption control, transparency, digital transformation, and effective public service delivery as the priorities of the new government. It was also informed that the development of electricity production and transmission, tourism, and information technology sectors are the main economic goals of the government.
The Nepali side also expressed gratitude for Nepal being continuously prioritized through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation by the Swiss government. In the meeting, there was an exchange of views on regional and global issues of common concern, including climate change, and on cooperation in multilateral forums. From Nepal, the meeting was co-chaired by Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, Head of the Europe Division and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and from Switzerland, by Markus Leitner, Head of the Asia and Pacific Division under the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, each leading their respective delegations. The Nepali delegation included officials from the Europe Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries, while the Swiss delegation included the Swiss Ambassador to Nepal, Daniel Meuli, officials from the said division, and officials from the Swiss Embassy in Nepal. The memorandum of understanding regarding the establishment of a mechanism between Nepal and Switzerland was signed on November 4, 2015.
