Nepal and Switzerland have reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations. 

The first meeting of Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultation Mechanism concluded on Tuesday, with the two sides exchanging views on matters of common concern, including the latest developments in their respective countries, regional cooperation, cooperation within the UN framework, and global issues such as climate change, migration, and human rights. Particularly, the discussions were focused on Nepal’s ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction strategies as well as longer-term development priorities and possible Swiss cooperation to Nepal in these areas, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the Swiss side government welcomed the promulgation of the new constitution as an important milestone on the way to concluding the peace process, and expressed readiness to work with the government of Nepal in further strengthening the bilateral relations for the benefit of both the countries and peoples, the statement said. 

The Nepali side also appreciated the prompt and generous Swiss support to Nepal in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of April 2015, and the significant pledge and commitment expressed by Switzerland in the ongoing reconstruction phase, the statement added. 

“The Swiss side reiterated its commitment to continue its development cooperation in Nepal, and expressed hope that Nepal will now enter into a phase of stable and inclusive democratic governance conducive to sustainable growth and development,” it said. 

The second meeting of the mechanism will take place in Berne, Switzerland on a mutually convenient date. Joint Secretary at Foreign Ministry Bhrigu Dhungana led Nepali delegation in the meeting, the Swiss delegation was headed by Assistant State Secretary and Ambassador Johannes Matyassy, Head of Asia-Pacific Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The mechanism was established following a signing of an MOU between the two sides on November 4, 2015.