KATHMANDU, AUGUST 18

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has stated that the government is continuing its diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, who remains in the custody of the Hamas group.

In a statement on social media today, she said that since assuming office as Foreign Minister, she has prioritized this matter on behalf of the government. 'From the UN General Assembly to international forums, as well as various bilateral and multilateral meetings I have attended, I have consistently appealed for Bipin's release. These efforts are ongoing,' she said.

She further mentioned her recent meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, the chief negotiator and mediator in the peace talks, during which she urged that Bipin's release be considered in the first phase of hostage negotiations.

Minister Dr. Rana emphasized that the government is sparing no effort to prioritize this issue. She expressed her gratitude to the Israeli government, Israeli citizens, the Nepali community residing in Israel, and the international community for their continued support in efforts to secure Bipin's release.

She also shared that Bipin's mother and sister have traveled to Israel, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the support of the Israeli government, to personally appeal for his release.

(With the inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)