KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 16
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi held a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba in Muscat, Oman today.
They met on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman. During the meeting, they discussed various issues of Nepal-Qatar relations, bilateral interests and mutual benefits, as well as scholarships for Nepali students and skilled technical manpower in Qatar.
On that occasion, Minister Dr. Deuba had urged Minister Muraikhi to help in the release of Nepalese youth Bipin Joshi, who is under the control of the Hamas group.
Foreign Minister Deuba praised the role played by the Qatari government in brokering a ceasefire and peace talks between the Israeli government and Hamas, and called for a special initiative for the release of Bipin, who is under the control of Hamas.
Earlier, Minister Deuba had made the same request in a phone call with Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
Khulaifi is the chief negotiator and mediator in peace talks between the Israeli government and Hamas. The Nepal government has been making diplomatic efforts for Bipin's release since last year.
Minister Deuba has been urging for Bipin's release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings. Bipin was abducted by the Hamas group in an attack on Israeli soil in October 2023.
