FM Rana seeks Qatar’s help for Bipin Joshi’s release from Hamas

Kathmandu, February 16 — Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, held a courtesy meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi, in Muscat, Oman, on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference.

The meeting took place on Sunday and focused on several important bilateral and regional issues.

During the discussions, both leaders spoke about the strengthening of Nepal-Qatar relations, focusing on mutual benefits, scholarship opportunities for Nepali students in Qatar, and the importance of skilled labor from Nepal. 

Dr. Deuba also took the opportunity to request Qatar’s assistance in securing the release of Nepali youth, Bipin Joshi, who is currently being held by Hamas.

The Foreign Minister expressed her hope that Qatar, which has played a crucial role in mediating peace talks between Israel and Hamas, could help facilitate Bipin’s release. 

In her meeting, Dr. Deuba commended Qatar’s efforts in mediating the conflict and stressed the need for further action to bring the Nepali youth back home.

She had earlier made a similar request during a phone conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, who is one of the key negotiators in the ongoing peace talks between Israel and Hamas.

Since October 2023, Nepal has been working through diplomatic channels to secure Bipin Joshi’s release.

The Nepali government, along with international and regional forums, has been actively urging for his safe return. Bipin Joshi was abducted by Hamas following an attack in Israel.