NEW YORK: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali today attended the meeting of the landlocked developing countries held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Gyawali stated that the disadvantages faced by landlocked countries would be minimised through their meaningful participation in the global value chain and international trade. He also stressed the need to transform the situation of landlocked countries into land-linked countries.

Foreign Minister Gyawali also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from various countries.

He met with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov at the UN headquarters and discussed matters relating to issues of bilateral interest and mutual cooperation in the world forum, according to a statement issued by the Nepali mission to the UN.

Likewise, the Foreign Minister held bilateral talks with Foreign Minister of Ireland Simon Koveni and discussed ways to promote areas of trade and investment between the two countries.

Minister Gyawali also met with UN Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. During the meeting, matters relating to the UN system and Nepal’s possible contribution to the reform processes initiated by the UN Secretary-General were discussed.

Similarly, the Foreign Minister held a meeting with the General Secretary of International Network for Bamboo and Rattan Dr Hans Freidrich at the missions office today. The role of the organisation in sustainable development was discussed during the meeting.