Kathmandu: European Union’s ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, today paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka. During the meeting at the Singha Durbar-based Minister’s office, discussions focused on EU assistance to Nepal in the sectors of energy, water resources, and irrigation.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the EU has been a reliable development partner for Nepal since diplomatic ties were established in 1974. Minister Khadka acknowledged the EU’s support for Nepal’s development in energy, water resources, and tourism, while also emphasizing cooperation in clean energy, climate change response, and economic stability.
The Minister shared Nepal’s ambition to produce 25,800 megawatts of electricity by 2035 and expressed the need for significant support from development partners. He informed Ambassador Lorenzo of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill presented to the parliament.
Ambassador Lorenzo reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s climate change response and alternative energy development. She praised Nepal’s energy cooperation with neighboring countries and assured the EU’s continued financial support through loans and grants for projects like Upper Arun and Dudhkoshi Reservoir-based Projects. The meeting also included discussions on inaugurating the Chilime-Trishuli Transmission Line, developed with EU investment, as per the Minister’s Secretariat.