Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a telephone conversation with her Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Thursday, expressing concern about the safety of around 360,000 Nepali nationals living in Qatar amid the tense situation in West Asia.

Prime Minister Karki conveyed Nepal’s concern over the recent developments in the region and thanked the Qatari government for ensuring the security and protection of Nepali citizens residing there, the prime minister’s secretariat said.

“About 360,000 Nepali citizens are currently living and working in the State of Qatar. I am very pleased to hear that they are safe and well cared for,” Karki said.

The prime minister said Nepal is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and stressed that all concerned parties should exercise restraint, avoid further escalation of the conflict and ensure the safety of civilians.

She also emphasised that all nations must respect and abide by the United Nations Charter, international law, the Geneva Conventions and humanitarian law. War, she said, cannot be an alternative to peace under any circumstances, adding that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.

During the conversation, the prime minister also expressed solidarity with Qatar and voiced deep concern over attacks on its sovereign territory, particularly those affecting civilian areas. She expressed confidence that Qatar would be able to address the current situation with a constructive approach.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Al Thani praised the cordial, deep and friendly relations between Nepal and Qatar. Acknowledging the significant contribution made by Nepali citizens in Qatar, he said the government would ensure that they receive the same level of security and protection as Qatari citizens under the current circumstances.

Describing the present situation in West Asia as unfortunate, Al Thani said his country was acting only to protect its sovereignty and territory and for self-defence. He thanked Nepal for the friendship and solidarity it had shown during this difficult time.