Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar has touched down in Kathmandu, where he was warmly received by President Ramchandra Paudel at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
The city of Kathmandu is bedecked with banners, flags representing both nations, and welcoming arches, heralding the visit of the Qatari Emir, who is embarking on a two-day state visit at the invitation of President Paudel.
The diplomatic ties between Nepal and Qatar, bolstered by the establishment of respective embassies in 2000 and 2011, have paved the way for strengthened cooperation between the two nations.
Past exchanges between leaders, such as President Ram Baran Yadav and President Bidya Devi Bhandari, have further cemented the bond between Nepal and Qatar.
The visit of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was eagerly anticipated, promising to fortify relations, particularly in the realm of investment.
His presence coincides with the government’s Investment Summit, hinting at increased high-level engagements between Nepal and the Middle East.
Qatar’s remarkable transformation into a developed nation over the past decades, under visionary leadership and strategic resource management, serves as an inspiration. Despite challenges like the 2017 blockade, Qatar has demonstrated resilience through policies focusing on self-sufficiency, particularly in food production.
The enduring significance of Qatar as a destination for Nepali labor is underscored by annual remittances exceeding 1 billion, with over 350,000 Nepalis contributing to Qatar’s development. As Qatar seeks global investment diversification, Nepal stands poised to attract Qatari capital, especially in ventures involving returned Nepali workers transitioning into entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, there is immense potential for collaboration in tourism and investment, with Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage offering a compelling proposition for Qatari investment in luxury tourism infrastructure, facilitated by agreements with the Investment Authority.
