KATHMANDU: Saudi Arabian ambassador to Nepal, Fahd Mohammad A Mnikhr, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Thursday.

In the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the dignitaries discussed bilateral relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia, high-level visits, safety and welfare of Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia, and the issues of mutual interest, according to the ministry.

Both sides stressed the importance of 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Saudi Arabia and underscored the need for continuing high-level visits and exchanges to bolster the relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister Khanal hoped high-level visits between the two countries would further enhance the bilateral relations, thereby expanding cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

“The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia is a significant occasion. Continuation of high-level visits and dialogues would be instrumental in expanding cooperation in the areas of mutual interest,” he stressed.

The Minister also expressed gratitude for the security and safety measures put in place by Saudi Arabia for the protection of its citizens and Nepali workers in the recent regional tension.

He, however, expressed concern over the ‘report’ that some Nepalis working in Saudi Arabia were not receiving fair payment for the works. Saudi Arabia was urged to pay heed to such issues. The Minister hailed the assistance provided by the Saudi authorities in repatriating the bodies of Nepali citizens died in Saudi Arabia to Nepal.

Both sides noted satisfaction with the existing bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to further extend the bilateral cooperation in the areas of mutual interest. Cooperation in the areas of political consultation, investment, tourism, air connectivity, labour mobility and the welfare of Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia featured as part of the cooperation.

“Nepal is interested to expanding cooperation with Saudi Arabia in investment, tourism, air connectivity, labour and other economic sectors in addition to diplomatic relations. It is now imperative to steer the existing friendly relations between the two countries into a more result-oriented partnership,” Minister Khanal underscored during the meeting.

Nepal and Saudi Arabia had established the diplomatic ties on March 15, 1977. Since then, the two countries have been enjoying the friendly relations.