Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat has urged the European Union to lift the ban on Nepali airlines.

Minister Mahat made this request in a meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, at the latter's office in Brussels on Wednesday.

Given the progress Nepal has made in aviation safety, the Foreign Affairs Minister requested the EC President to lift the ban imposed by the EU on Nepali airlines. The President assured Minister Mahat of looking into the matter positively based upon the facts to be provided by the Government of Nepal.

While acknowledging the European Union's support to Nepal's development efforts inj areas such as human and social development, agriculture and trade, Minister Mahat requested for an enhanced level of support in infrastructure building and skills development. He also called for an increased support for post-earthquake reconstruction to help meet resources gap particularly in housing grant, education and health, the Embassy/Mission of Nepal in Brussels stated in a press release.

In the meeting, reiterating the EU's continued support to Nepal, President Juncker stated that the EU would consider the possibility of enhancing support and cooperation in the areas as requested.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs on the occasion also apprised the EU President of the recent political developments in Nepal, including the amendment of the constitution and preparations for holding of elections in the stipulated time frame.

Foreign Minister will have separate meetings with Luxembourgish Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Development Cooperation in Luxembourg today. RSS