President Ramchandra Paudel met his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin on Monday and expressed his belief that relations between the two countries would be further strengthened.

President Paudel said Nepal has accorded high priority to its relations with Germany and conveyed his belief that bilateral relations would further strengthen amid the evolving global context, said Kiran Pokharel, press adviser to President Paudel.

“Nepal is committed to achieving sustainable peace, stability, and development. We express our gratitude for the support received from Germany during the peace process. We are confident that Germany will continue to provide support and cooperation as Nepal advances on its path to development,” Pokharel quoted President Paudel as saying to his German counterpart.

According to his secretariat, President Paudel underlined the importance of economic development to sustain Nepal’s political achievements.

The President also stressed the need to expand trade, investment, and commercial relations between Nepal and Germany and encouraged German investors to consider investing in Nepal.

He expressed hope for support from the German government to lift the ban imposed on Nepali airlines from flying into European airspace and to assist in securing the release of Nepalis held hostage in Ukraine.

Pokharel said German President Steinmeier pledged Germany’s readiness to provide all possible support for Nepal’s economic development.

The President was offered a guard of honour ahead of the bilateral talks.

According to the Nepali Embassy in Berlin, President Paudel visited various historic sites, including the Berlin Wall, earlier today. The President was accompanied by first lady Sabita Poudel and other members of the visiting delegation.

Paudel reached Germany on Saturday at the invitation of the German President.

Prior to reaching Berlin, President Paudel addressed the 112th International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organisation and the inaugural session of the Global Alliance for Social Justice in Switzerland. President Paudel met Swiss President Viola Amherd and discussed issues of bilateral interest on Wednesday.

The head of state is scheduled to arrive home on Wednesday morning.