A Norwegian parliamentary delegation, including the chairperson and members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Storting, visited Nepal’s International Relations and Tourism Committee on Thursday.

Raj Kishor Yadav, chair of the International Relations Committee of the House of Representatives of Nepal, welcomed the delegation in Kathmandu.

The Norwegian delegation comprised MPs Åsmund Aukrust, Guri Melby, Ingrid Fiskaa, Sylvi Listhaug, Hårek Elvenes, Ola Borten Moe, Bengt Fasteraune, Trine Lise Sundnes, and Nils-Ole Foshaug, along with officials Vibeke Rysst-Jensen and Gro Kolstad Mortvedt.

This marks the first official exchange between similar parliamentary committees of the two nations. Both the Nepali and Norwegian sides highlighted the meeting as a significant milestone in fostering parliamentary diplomacy.

A press release from the International Relations and Tourism Committee noted that discussions between the two sides reaffirmed the long-standing friendly relations and cooperative ties between Nepal and Norway.

The parliamentarians of Norway acknowledged Nepal’s contribution on the Peace Keeping Mission and emphasised cooperation on the energy sector of Nepal, the release stated.

“Both delegations shared insights into their parliamentary structures, governance systems, and democratic processes, while also exchanging views on shared values such as democracy, human rights, and social justice,” the release stated. “Discussions also focused on global challenges, including climate change mitigation and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals, underscoring the mutual commitment to these pressing issues.”