Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba returned home today after participating in the 44th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held in Rome, Italy. Minister Rana also took part in the High-Level Ministerial Conference organized on the sidelines of the conference.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Rana addressed the main session of the FAO Conference held between June 28 to July 4, where she emphasized Nepal’s recognition of the right to food as a fundamental right, supported by legislation. She highlighted Nepal’s efforts towards ensuring safe and quality food through regulatory standards, laboratory surveillance, and consumer protection mechanisms under the Food and Quality Control policy.
Minister Rana also spoke about the food and nutrition challenges faced by people in least developed countries, islands, and landlocked nations. She urged the global community to consider Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change and called for international climate action. Additionally, she advocated for grant-based international climate finance to support sustainable agriculture in climate-vulnerable regions like Nepal.
In Germany, Minister Rana held bilateral talks with German Foreign Minister Dr Johann David Wadephul in Berlin. Their discussions covered a range of bilateral issues, including Nepal-Germany relations and mutual global concerns. Minister Rana emphasized the need for increased bilateral trade and private sector partnerships and encouraged German investment in Nepal, particularly in a chemical fertilizer production factory.
Minister Rana proposed the operation of direct flights between Nepal and Germany and expressed Nepal’s anticipation of continued technological, financial, and resource support from Germany and the European Union. She also sought to lift the EU’s ban on Nepali Airlines in its airspace, highlighting Nepal’s ongoing legislative reforms to align with EU and ICAO aviation standards.
Furthermore, Minister Rana requested Germany’s support for Nepal’s candidacies for key positions in international bodies, including membership in the UN Human Rights Council, the Economic and Social Council, and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. During her visits to Italy and Germany, she also participated in events organized by the Investment Board to attract foreign investment to Nepal.
Upon her arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Minister Rana was welcomed by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior officials.