Foreign Minister Rana holds bilateral meetings in Geneva, discusses UN candidacies

Kathmandu, February 26 — Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and Spain's Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, José Manuel Albares Bueno have held a bilateral meeting in Geneva.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 58th high-level session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, where both ministers are participating.

During the meeting, Minister Rana praised Spain for its support for Nepal's economic and social development as an important member of the European Union.

Dr. Rana also expressed gratitude for the assistance Spain provided to Nepal during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the earthquake.

As Nepal is in the process of upgrading to a developing nation by 2026, Minister Dr. Rana requested further support from Spain to achieve sustainable development goals.

She also appealed for Spain's help in addressing the impact of climate change on Nepal, emphasizing Nepal's advocacy for justice on international platforms.

Additionally, Minister Dr. Rana informed that Nepal has announced its candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council membership for the term 2027-2029, as well as for the Economic and Social Council for the term 2029-2031 and Security Council temporary membership for the term 2037-2038, and requested Spain’s support in these endeavors.

Dr. Rana also invited Spain to participate in the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambad, scheduled for May, which will focus on climate change, the Himalayas, and the future of humanity.

During the meeting, Dr. Rana also urged Spain to establish an embassy in Nepal.

In the same vein, Dr. Rana also held a bilateral meeting with Slovakia's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár.

They discussed the relationship between Nepal and Slovakia, Nepal's candidacies at the UN, and the issues Nepal has raised regarding climate change. 

Moreover, Dr. Rana also met with Mexico’s Deputy Minister for International Relations and Human Rights, Enrique Javier Ochoa Martínez, for a courtesy visit on the same day.