KATHMANDU: Minister of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security Sita Badi and US Chargé d’Affaires to Nepal Megan Bouldin discussed Nepal-US relations, the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-affected areas, and measures to strengthen cooperation in social development during a meeting.

The two sides also discussed the situation in Rasuwa following the August 26 flood in the Bhote Koshi area near the Nepal-Tibet border, as well as efforts to control human trafficking and smuggling.

During the meeting, Bouldin paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the Rasuwa flood and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. She expressed concern over the condition of flood-affected communities and their rehabilitation efforts and said the United States was committed to working with Nepal in the recovery process.

Minister Badi said the diplomatic relationship between Nepal and the United States, established in 1947, is based on mutual respect, trust, development cooperation and people-to-people relations. She expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would expand further in the coming days.

Badi said the August 26 flood had created additional challenges for the safety, protection and education of women, adolescent girls and children in the affected areas. She sought US support and cooperation for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

She also said the government was mobilizing available resources, means and manpower for the rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood-affected communities. The Ministry has prioritized the protection and social security of at-risk women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other marginalized communities within its jurisdiction.

The meeting also included detailed discussions on strengthening measures to prevent and control human trafficking and smuggling, alongside broader cooperation in social development.