The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed today that His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, will embark on a State Visit to Nepal from April 23 to April 24, 2024.
This visit comes as a result of the gracious invitation extended by President Ramchandra Paudel, signaling a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to fortify the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
During his stay, His Highness the Emir of Qatar is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral ties and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation between Nepal and Qatar.
This visit holds immense significance in fostering the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations, with a particular focus on investment prospects.
The highlight of the State Visit will be the anticipated meeting between His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and President Paudel at Shital Niwas.
During this meeting, both leaders are set to delve into substantive discussions on matters of mutual interest and bilateral importance. President Paudel will further extend the warmth and hospitality of the Nepalese people by hosting a grand State Banquet in honor of the esteemed guest from Qatar.
Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on April 24, 2024.
These discussions are expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure, and labor migration.
The commitment to advancing mutual interests will be further demonstrated through the signing ceremony of bilateral Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation and fostering mutual prosperity.
As the State Visit draws to a close, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will bid farewell to Nepal and depart for Qatar from Kathmandu on April 24, 2024, marking the conclusion of a fruitful and productive diplomatic engagement between Nepal and Qatar.
The upcoming visit of the Qatari Emir underscores the shared commitment of Nepal and Qatar to deepening bilateral relations and emphasizes the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in advancing mutual interests and regional stability.
Since January 21, 1977, Nepal and Qatar have maintained robust diplomatic relations, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral ties. The establishment of the Nepali Embassy in Qatar in 2000, followed by Qatar opening its embassy in Nepal in 2011, laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.
Coinciding with the government’s Investment Summit, the Emir’s presence hints at increased high-level engagements between Nepal and the Middle East. Qatar’s remarkable transformation into a developed nation over the past three decades serves as an inspiration. Visionary leadership and strategic utilization of natural resources have propelled Qatar’s achievements, including successfully hosting the 2022 World Cup.
Despite challenges like the 2017 blockade, Qatar has demonstrated resilience by adopting policies focused on self-sufficiency, especially in food production. Notably, Baldana, a dairy company, not only met Qatar’s dairy needs but also expanded into exports, with a market valuation of 80 billion Nepalese rupees.
Qatar remains a crucial destination for Nepali labor, with annual remittances exceeding 1 billion. Over 350,000 Nepalis contribute to Qatar’s development. As Qatar seeks global investment diversification, Nepal stands ready to attract Qatari capital, particularly in ventures involving returned Nepali workers transitioning into entrepreneurship.
Moreover, collaboration in tourism and investment holds immense potential. Nepal’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for Qatari investment in luxury tourism infrastructure, facilitated by agreements with the Investment Authority.
The upcoming State Visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is poised to further strengthen bilateral ties and open new avenues for cooperation, paving the way for mutual prosperity and growth.
