2 agreements, 6 agreements between Nepal and Qatar

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In the first important visit from Qatar after the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1977, the Emir of Qatar met with President Ramchandra Paudel on Tuesday at Sheetal Niwas on the first day, and held bilateral delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Dahal at Solti Hotel on Wednesday. On that occasion, there was a conversation between the two parties about investment in Nepal. In the talks, Qatar has agreed to create a mechanism to identify and study investment areas in Nepal.

According to Rupak Sapkota, Prime Minister Dahal's foreign affairs adviser, Prime Minister Dahal said that Nepal has become an investment-friendly environment and now asked Qatar to invest in the fields of physical infrastructure, electricity, agriculture and education. Qatar's ability to invest is expanding. Investment sectors are also developing and expanding in Nepal. We are holding an investment conference in the near future. I request significant participation and investment on behalf of Qatar,' Sapkota said, quoting the Prime Minister's statement, 'It includes the main physical infrastructure, electricity, agriculture and education sectors.'

The Emir of Qatar said that he took the Prime Minister's proposal positively. Sapkota informed that both sides are positive about the two countries creating a mechanism to study and discuss investment potential in Nepal. "There has been an agreement to form a mechanism on both sides of Qatar and Nepal, the mechanism will work to study and discuss potential areas," he said.

In his meeting with Amir Al Thani, Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that since Nepal's tourism is a major attraction for the world, the investment in the development of infrastructure in this area should not be wasted. Dahal mentioned that the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Thani in May 2013 has helped promote Nepal's tourism in the world.

He also requested the Qatar government to operate flights from Lumbini and Pokhara. Sapkota said, "Many agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOU) have been concluded between Nepal and Qatar. He emphasized that the agreements and understandings between the two countries should be revised and updated with the demands of the times.

Dahal mentioned that about 3.5 million Nepalis working in Qatar are an important link connecting the bilateral relations. He asked for assistance in establishing a vocational training and skill development center in Nepal to send skilled and semi-skilled workers to Qatar.

Dahal also expressed the belief that Qatar government will receive grants for the development of large infrastructure projects such as hydropower generation, hospitals and health institutions or international level cricket and football stadiums. He said that creation of dignified labor and labor cooperation should be thought of in a timely and new way, adding that the Nepalis who went to work in Qatar have contributed to the economy of the family and the country. The Qatari Emir also highly praised the Nepalis working in Qatar and expressed his happiness that they have contributed to the development of Qatar. "Qatar is ready to help Nepali workers to improve their skills," Amir said.

The Qatari Emir's visit was given great importance by the government. Tuesday was a public holiday on the first day of the visit. President Paudel himself reached the airport to welcome the Amir, while Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav went to see him off. Speaker Devraj Ghimire, Speaker of the National Assembly Narayan Prasad Dahal, Prime Minister Dahal and other ministers and high government officials were present on both the welcoming and farewell occasions.

Even the Council of Ministers of Qatar has mentioned that the hospitality given to Amir during his visit to Asia, including Nepal, reflects the depth of his strong relationship with everyone. The Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohnadi, said in a statement after the Cabinet meeting held by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Wednesday, "The Cabinet appreciated the results of His Highness the Amir's Asian visit." The extraordinary reception and hospitality received during the visit reflected the depth and strength of the State of Qatar's relationship with that country. The Council of Ministers has confirmed that the people of those countries respect and appreciate Qatar and its leadership.'

Nepal's former ambassador to Qatar, Nardanath Bharadwaj, commented that the Amir's visit has become important for the expansion of relations between the two countries. There is no reason to expect without understanding Qatar's spirit and history of struggle. A relationship should be about mutual benefit. Not just our expectations. It is not enough to ask for grants and support," former ambassador Bhardwaj said. "Each country has strategic goals and priorities. Qatar has a dream. Have a vision. We could not give a concrete roadmap on that. Qatar has a growing diplomatic image. That should have been our focus. Practical benefits should be seen so that there will be bilateral mutual benefits.'

Nepali Ambassador to Qatar Nareshvikram Dhakal claims that Amir's visit is historic. "Something is happening between the two countries," he said. A high-level joint committee consisting of officials from both sides will be formed to study the feasibility of investment in agriculture, electricity and tourism. It proposes to secure Qatari investment and identify new projects.'

President of Non-Resident Nepali Association Qatar Ramesh Bhatt mentioned that the Nepali community in Qatar has been looking for a high-level dialogue between Qatar and Nepal for a decade and commented that Amir's visit to Nepal has fulfilled that.

Bipin Joshi is interested in releasing

Prime Minister Dahal also requested the Emir of Qatar on Wednesday to take initiative for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, who went missing in the attack of Hamas. On Tuesday, President Paudel asked Joshi to take the initiative to free him from the Palestinian militant group Hamas. After attacking Israel on October 20, Joshi was taken hostage by Hamas. Due to the good relationship between Qatar and Hamas, the President and Prime Minister of Nepal have asked to take the initiative for the release of Amir. "I would like to request the Qatari government again to facilitate his speedy and safe release," Sapkota said, quoting Dahal, "I request His Majesty's personal attention to this matter."