Kathmandu, November 24

The 9th session of Nepal-European Union Joint Commission was held in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

During the meeting, various issues of mutual interest between Nepal and the European Union were discussed. The two sides exchanged views on the post earth-quake reconstruction and European Union-assisted development programmes in Nepal, said a press statement issued by the foreign ministry.

They also exchanged views on trade and investment, human rights, refugee issues as well as global issues like Post-15 Development Agenda and international climate change negotiations.

Similarly, the two sides briefed each other on the significant developments taking place in Nepal and EU. The delegation of the European Union reiterated its view that the promulgation of the new constitution is a historic event marking the beginning of a new democratic era in Nepal.

The two delegations also shared views on important regional and global issues.

The Development Sub-Commission meeting between Nepal and the European Union, which took place on Monday at the Ministry of Finance, had held extensive discussions on the European Union assisted programmes and its future priorities in Nepal.

The Nepali delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. Acting Managing Director for Asia and Pacific of the European External Action Service, Ugo Astuto, led the delegation of the European Union. Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Nepal, Rensje Teerink, and other senior EU officials were also part of the EU delegation.

Astuto paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar, today. Various issues of bilateral interest were discussed during the meeting, added the foreign ministry.