Saudi Ambassador Calls on Speaker Aryal, Discusses Bilateral Cooperation

Kathmandu. Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nepal Fahad Mohammed A. Manikh has paid a courtesy call on Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal. The meeting between Speaker Aryal and Ambassador Manikh took place on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Speaker Aryal mentioned that Nepal's Federal Parliament is interested in constructive and institutional cooperation with the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia, and informed that a Nepal-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group has been formed as per a recent decision of the Federal Parliament. He expressed confidence that this group will further enhance cooperation on issues of mutual interest between the parliaments of the two countries.

He expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between Nepal and Saudi Arabia in the field of labor migration, noting that Saudi Arabia is a major labor destination country for Nepali workers.

During the meeting, Speaker Aryal mentioned that preparations are underway to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia in March 2027. He expressed the expectation that this historic occasion will be celebrated in a dignified and memorable manner through meaningful programs and participatory activities that reflect the strong partnership between the two countries and the shared commitment to even closer cooperation in the future.

Speaker Aryal mentioned that there are ample opportunities to expand economic cooperation and partnership between Nepal and Saudi Arabia, and stated that the Government of Nepal expects further investment and cooperation from friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, in national priority sectors such as infrastructure, information technology, energy, tourism, mining, and agriculture.

He mentioned that Nepal can become an attractive tourist destination for Saudi tourists due to Nepal's natural beauty, favorable climate, rich culture, and the hospitality of the Nepali people.

In the meeting, Ambassador Manikh stated that his country is always positive about further strengthening the relationship between Nepal and Saudi Arabia. He mentioned that Saudi Arabia gives high priority to cooperation with Nepal and expressed interest in further cooperation in the fields of labor, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people contact.

Nepal established its embassy in Saudi Arabia in 1978, while Saudi Arabia established its embassy in Nepal in 2012. Currently, approximately 384,865 Nepali citizens are working in Saudi Arabia.