US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday.
“A warm welcome to Nepal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu! On his diplomatic tour across South Asia, Lu is in Kathmandu,” the US Embassy Nepal wrote in a social media post.
Donald Lu will meet Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda.
Lu is not scheduled to meet Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli since PM Oli has been out of Kathmandu Valley at the moment.
According to political sources, Lu will meet both Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Maoist Center Chairman Prachanda on Sunday afternoon.
Lu has traveled to India, and Sri Lanka and now is in Nepal to wrap up his South Asia trip.
“His visit underscores the commitment to strengthening US-Nepal ties and advancing cooperation in key areas: environmental protection, women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable development,” the embassy said. “Lu will engage with Nepal’s senior leaders and civil society.”
Last week, the United States Department of State in a media note said Lu will travel to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal from December 3 to December 10. His trip will strengthen cooperation with key partners in South Asia to promote regional prosperity and security, reads the note.
Assistant Secretary Lu will conclude his trip in Kathmandu, Nepal, meeting with senior leaders to advance cooperation on environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.
He will meet with youth leaders to gain insights into their vision for the future of US-Nepal relations. Additionally, discussions will emphasise the importance of cultural preservation, recognising Nepal’s rich heritage as a cornerstone of its identity and a key driver of its tourism and economy, according to the note.
Earlier, information about discussions with the Nepali leadership was made public when Lu came to Kathmandu to emphasize the MCC’s approval and the State Partnership Program.
President Ram Chandra Poudel will not meet Lu because he is unwell. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba is also out of Nepal.
