Geneva: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba engaged in separate high-level diplomatic meetings with her counterparts from Spain and Slovakia during the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dr Rana met with the Spanish Foreign Minister, Jose Manual Alvares Bueno, on the sidelines of the UN session. During the meeting, Dr Rana expressed gratitude for Spain’s support, particularly its aid during Nepal’s challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the earthquake. She emphasized the importance of continued cooperation from Spain, especially as Nepal prepares to transition to a developing nation by 2026 and strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Rana also advocated for Spain’s backing in Nepal’s endeavors to seek justice on climate change impacts in global forums. She solicited support for Nepal’s candidacy for a position on the UN Human Rights Council from 2027 to 2029, as well as future candidacies for the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council. Additionally, Dr Rana invited Spanish participation in Nepal’s upcoming Sagarmatha Sambad program, which will focus on climate change and its effects on mountain regions.
In a separate engagement, Dr Rana held discussions with Slovakian Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar. The talks centered on strengthening bilateral relations and support for Nepal’s UN candidacies. They also addressed Nepal’s climate change initiatives and its international advocacy efforts.
Furthermore, Dr Rana met with Enrique Javier Ochoa Martinez, Mexico’s Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, to explore avenues for enhancing Nepal-Mexico relations and future cooperation.