KATHMANDU, JUNE 1
Sarah B Rogers, United States' under secretary of state for public diplomacy, emphasised her country's enduring 79year partnership with Nepal at a press conference in Kathmandu today after holding high-level meetings with ministers such as Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Bikram Timilsina.
During the conference, she emphasised a shared commitment to economic growth, technological prosperity, and cultural preservation. She prioritised the ongoing implementation of the $550 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, which is a critical driver for Nepal's energy and economic future.
"The United States looks forward to bolstering our partnership through our $550 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact - a significant investment in Nepal's economy and energy future," she said.
During a keynote speech at the Ascent Summit 2026, Rogers highlighted the Himalayas' common heritage of adventure travel and technological innovation. Reaching the summit in the world's highest mountain range, the Himalayas, requires more than just equipment and oxygen levels. Reaching the summit depends on who you climb with. "For 79 years, the United States has been proud to climb alongside Nepal," she added.
Rogers expressed strong optimism about working with Nepal's new government, citing a shared desire to create a favourable investment climate for emerging technologies such as AI and data centres.
"The United States is very optimistic about working with this government, and my meetings over the last two days have confirmed that optimism," she said.
Looking ahead to the 80th anniversary of bilateral relations next year, she expressed her hope for expanded initiatives that promote prosperity and strengthen Nepal's sovereignty. "I am hopeful that by the 80th year, we will have partnered together on even more initiatives to benefit both our countries," she said.
She also reflected on her visit to Patan Durbar Square, praising the cultural continuity demonstrated by generations of artisans restoring earthquake-damaged heritage.
"It impressed me that descendants of the original artisans who had crafted the carvings on those temples were tracked down and recruited to help carve replacement pieces where the original had been damaged by the earthquake," she stated.
Meanwhile, the Communication Ministry Secretariat informed that Rebecca Hunter, director of Starlink, an international satellite-based internet service provider, met Minister Timilsina today at the ministry.
During the meeting, Hunter stated that Starlink wishes to obtain permission to provide internet services in Nepal but has been unable to do so due to policy and legal complexities. She stated that Starlink could only seek permission if it retained 100 per cent ownership of the licence. She also stated that discussions about business partnerships and collaboration are currently taking place with some service providers in Nepal.
During the meeting, Communications Minister Timilsina stated that there would be no impediment to operating the service in accordance with Nepal's current telecommunications policy and legal framework.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions were held on how to strengthen Nepal-US relations, with a focus on increased cooperation in investment, trade, culture, and tourism.
