Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Nepal yesterday on the last leg of his three-nation Asian trip aimed at boosting cooperation in diverse fields. In Kathmandu, the Amir held a meeting with President of Nepal H E Ram Chandra Poudel, who hailed Amir’s visit as the first Arab leader to visit Nepal.
H H the Amir stressed that his visit reflects the importance of distinguished Qatar-Nepal relations, hoping the visit and the resulting discussions, agreements, and memoranda of understanding will contribute to developing relations and cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples. The Amir also praised Nepalese community in Qatar and its contribution to several developmental fields in the country.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1977, Qatar and Nepal have come a long way in their bilateral cooperation. A particular aspect of the bilateral relationship is the presence of a large number of Nepalese expatriates in Qatar, who have contributed to the development of not only Qatar but also their home country. A bilateral agreement concerning Nepali manpower employment in Qatar was signed in 2005, with its additional protocol signed in 2008. The agreement aims to protect and promote the interests of workers in Qatar and regulate the supply of Nepali manpower to the country. Qatar has also opened a visa center in Kathmandu to facilitate the employment of workforce from Nepal and ensure protection of their rights.
Highlighting Qatar’s unwavering support for his country, the President of Nepal expressed appreciation for Doha’s assistance in the aftermath of 2015 earthquake and during the COVID-19 pandemic. He hailed Qatar’s extensive reforms to strengthen labor laws and increase protection for workers, spotlighting the reforms’ positive impact on the protection of workers and promoting their interests, as well as regulating the supply of Nepali manpower to Qatar. “As a result, Nepali migrant workers have largely benefitted from the reforms and thereby an ensuing positive effect in the Nepalese economy by dint of the remittance,” he said.
On the occasion of Amir’s visit, Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal commended the role played by Qatar in resolving conflicts and promoting peace and security around the globe, emphasising his country’s appreciation for this role that contributes to resolving differences through negotiations and diplomacy.
He also underscored Nepal’s belief that peace should prevail for humanity to prosper.
The Amir’s visit to the Philippines, Bangladesh and Nepal heralds a new era in Qatar’s relations with these countries in trade, labour, investment and other areas.
