KATHMANDU, MAY 26
The 22 European Union (EU) ambassadors met Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah today at Singha Durbar. Following their meeting with PM Shah, ambassadors appeared and expressed confidence in their continued and future engagement with Nepal.
This could be why EU ambassadors sounded convinced collectively at a press conference here today, saying, "It's time for Nepal."
"Feelings that we got from different meetings, including with the prime minister, are that it's time for Nepal," said the Swedish Ambassador Jan Theseleff. "You (Nepal) had a dramatic change; things have been moving. We have been watching it closely ... and it is time for Nepal."
He emphasised that Sweden and Nepal share a strong affinity, as both countries have mountains and rely heavily on tourism. Italian Ambassador Antonio Enrico Bartoli stated that during his interactions with civil society, he discovered a sense of hope, expectations and ambition. "And this is very important because you have all the cards to play but you need to play well. I think it's very meaningful that dramatic change has occurred in a very democratic manner, which is rare these days," he said.
He stressed that Italy has good recipes and that both countries can cook together. Italy is also a hub for tourism and machinery, which can help Nepal. "We can help Nepal with our hydropower and science machinery."
Estonian Ambassador Marje Luup stated that European countries and Nepal can accomplish much more together. "We (Estonia) have been collaborating with Nepal on ICT and e-governance. Estonia is widely recognised as the world's most advanced digital society, with all government services available online. This is something we would like to share with Nepali institutions," she said. "We can cooperate in cybersecurity in the future to keep our data safe."
Austrian Ambassador Robert Zischg emphasised the importance of tourism as a shared factor in both countries. He also mentioned that the first cable car in Nepal, built by an Austrian company in 1997, is still operational in Manakamana. "We can assist Nepal with its rich cultural heritage."
According to Cyprus Ambassador Evagoras Vryonides, about 20,000 Nepalis live in Cyprus. He emphasised that Nepali students can easily study in Cyprus. "However, with workers, I have been fighting with both my and your governments - they are required to pay a large sum of money (5,000 to 7,000 euros) to an agent. We are trying to change that."
Marisa Gerards, the Netherlands' ambassador, observed that the Cabinet has a positive attitude and is eager to make a difference. "They have campaigned with a very clear agenda of good governance and economic reform. Doing something for young people so that they can find a future in Nepal, and I can see that they are very adamant in reaching that goal. Their plan was very clear, with a clear timetable. Thus we are very excited to see what their first results will be."
She further mentioned that she learnt that the new government in Nepal, in the first 100 days, is hyperfocused on what has to be done. "We are all waiting for the budget on Friday because that will give us information on how he (the PM) will reach goals. We are very happy with the audience we got."
As the flow of Nepali students and workers to the EU has increased, EU Ambassador Véronique Lorenzo emphasised the importance of people-to-people connections between the two countries. She said, "The flow of Nepali students has increased without even a scholarship," and added, "Let's work together for a new Nepal."
Ambassador Lorenzo stated that the EU delegation met representatives from the private sector, civil society, political analysts and Generation Z to better understand the challenges and opportunities presented by Nepal's new era. "But the mission's highlight was meeting Prime Minister Shah earlier this morning. For all 22 of us, including a few other non-EU ambassadors, it was an opportunity to state how much we would like to bring to Nepal."
She also mentioned that the budget is coming, and the big priority of the EU is 'our private sectors.' She also stated that the prime minister appeared to be there to deliver tangible and visible results. "His priority is citizens, and everything else comes next," she said.
Meanwhile, during the meeting with EU ambassadors, PM Shah stated that Nepal would continue to pursue a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy. "Our relations with our neighbours, development partners and friendly countries are guided by the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality and shared prosperity," he stated.
He added, "Being new does not mean completely breaking away from the past. We are fully committed to safeguarding democratic values and preserving political stability, ensuring that Nepal's policy direction is clear, stable and predictable."