Kathmandu, October 31

A bilateral meeting between President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, was held at the Amiri Diwan in Doha yesterday.

President Bhandari is on a four-day visit to Qatar. On the occasion, the two heads of state exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral relations between Nepal and Qatar. A press release issued by Embassy of Nepal in Doha said promotion of investment, trade, tourism, infrastructure development, agriculture and matters pertaining to migrant Nepali workers figured during the discussion.

Following the meeting, President Bhandari and Amir Al Thani witnessed the signing of an agreement and a memorandum of understanding.

The agreement was on abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports between the Government of Nepal and the Government of the State of Qatar.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahaman Al Thani.

Similarly, Foreign Minister Gyawali and Qatari Minister for Municipality and Environment Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture and food security between Nepal and Qatar.

Amir Al Thani also hosted a banquet in honour of President Bhandari and the Nepali delegation. Later in the evening, President Bhandari addressed Nepal-Qatar Business Forum organised by Qatar Chamber. While addressing the forum, she shed light on the conducive business environment in Nepal and urged businesspersons and investors to invest in Nepal.

On the occasion, Minister Gyawali highlighted the policy and institutional framework of the Government of Nepal for further improving business climate in the country.

According to the release, President Bhandari invited Amir Al Thani to visit Nepal at a convenient time. He gladly accepted the invitation. President Bhandari and Nepali delegation will return home tomorrow.