KATHMANDU: Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, paid a farewell call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

On the occasion, they discussed various topics concerning Nepal-EU relations and mutual interests.

Ambassador Lorenzo thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the excellent relationship, saying that the ministry has been helpful, active, and responsive. She also expressed her happiness with the leadership and guidance of Foreign Minister Khanal.

Foreign Minister Khanal thanked Ambassador Lorenzo for her openness, honesty, and support, and appreciated the assistance she has shown to Nepal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the meeting, Ambassador Lorenzo said that the EU is interested in cooperating with Nepal on mountain and water-related agendas.

Stating that mountain-related issues are the priority of the Government of Nepal, the Foreign Minister informed the EU ambassador that Nepal would be hosting the second edition of the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ in the coming year.

The ambassador said the EU has plans for cooperating with Nepal in the areas of safe, systematic and decent migration. Welcoming such proposal, the Minister requested detailed information on the proposed areas of cooperation for further study and formulate the Nepal’s views.

He said that safe and decent migration is one of the key priorities of Nepal, adding that the government is committed to the protection of Nepali diaspora abroad.

The two also exchanged views on the suspension of the schedule of Nepal’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) to a middle-income developing country.

The ambassador pledged the EU support towards that end urging Nepal for the submission of substantive action plans and necessary details

On the occasion, matters relating to the promotion of Nepali art, culture and civilization, openness and freedom of expressions were discussed.

The ambassador urged for the Ministry support for an exhibition relating to the Newari art. In response, the Minister expressed the government’s commitments to the promotion of Nepal’s cultural heritages.