KATHMANDU, JUNE 17
President Ramchandra Paudel and German President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier met at the Presidential Office in Berlin, Germany.
During the meeting, President Paudel emphasized Nepal's high regard for its relationship with Germany and expressed optimism about closer ties in the changing global context.
President Paudel highlighted the need for organizations like Socialist International and Progressive Alliance to be more active in promoting social justice, human rights, democracy, rule of law, and freedom.
He reiterated Nepal's commitment to achieving sustainable peace, stability, and development, thanking Germany for its support in Nepal's peace process and expressing confidence in continued cooperation for Nepal's development.
He stressed the importance of economic development for political stability and welcomed international support, including from Germany, for Nepal's aspirations. President Paudel also appreciated Germany's commitment to climate-related support for developing countries and noted common understandings between the two nations on various socio-economic issues.
President Paudel outlined Nepal's goals to modernize agriculture, harness water resources, develop infrastructure, and boost tourism while mitigating climate change impacts. He urged the German President to help release Nepali nationals involved in the Russia-Ukraine war and to encourage private sector investment between the two countries, noting the strong participation of German investors in the recent Nepal Investment Summit.
He also expressed confidence in the implementation of the labor migration and knowledge exchange agreement signed last year, hoping it would strengthen bilateral relations. Additionally, President Paudel sought Germany's support to lift the European Union's ban on Nepali airlines.
German President Steinmeier assured all possible support for Nepal's economic development and acknowledged the impacts of climate change on Nepal, promising necessary assistance. He noted the longstanding friendship between Germany and Nepal and expressed a positive stance towards removing the EU's ban on Nepali airlines.
President Paudel's visit to Germany, the first by a Nepali Head of State since 1986, included observing a Guard of Honour.
Prez Paudel arrived in Germany on June 15 following a visit to Switzerland, upon the invitation of President Steinmeier.
