Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who arrived in New York on Monday, has begun a series of bilateral meetings with foreign leaders and senior officials on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The meetings have focused on Nepal’s position on climate justice, the country’s political transition and support for recovery from the recent Bhotekoshi floods.

Khanal has met Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, and European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera.

A courtesy meeting between Khanal and Tobgay focused on various aspects of bilateral relations between Nepal and Bhutan.

The two leaders exchanged views on further strengthening ties and discussed the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters caused by climate change, the Foreign Ministry said.

As both Nepal and Bhutan are mountainous countries, the two sides stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation on climate change, the ministry said.

“I reaffirmed Bhutan’s solidarity with Nepal during this difficult time and extended my best wishes for the recovery and rebuilding of communities affected by the recent floods in Nepal,” Tobgay said on X.

According to Japan’s Foreign Ministry, Motegi expressed deep sorrow over the extensive damage caused by the devastating disaster in Nepal, offered condolences to the victims and conveyed his sympathies to bereaved families and others affected by the disaster.

He also paid tribute to the efforts of the Nepal government to assist those affected and said Japan intended to provide support from the emergency phase through the medium- and long-term stages to bolster Nepal’s self-reliant recovery efforts, the ministry said.

Japan’s assistance includes emergency relief supplies, an emergency grant of $3 million through international and other organisations, the dispatch of a team of experts to assist with identification, and the provision of DNA testing equipment.

Motegi said Japan stood with Nepal and intended to do everything possible for the long-standing friend.

In response, Khanal expressed gratitude for the message of sympathy and solidarity from the Japanese government and people, as well as Japan’s support following the flash floods.

He said Nepali authorities would spare no effort in the search and rescue of foreign nationals, including Japanese citizens, who remain unaccounted for.

Motegi also said this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal. He said Japan has consistently supported the consolidation of democracy and nation-building in Nepal.

He expressed hope that the commemorative Nepal-Japan Festival, scheduled for November in Nepal, would further deepen relations between the two countries.

Motegi also said Japan intended to continue supporting Nepal’s efforts under the Balendra Shah administration through initiatives including infrastructure development such as the Nagdhunga Tunnel project by JICA, as well as efforts to foster domestic industries and promote high-quality education to support economic growth.

Khanal expressed appreciation for Japan’s long-standing cooperation and said he wanted to further develop bilateral relations as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Khanal also held a meeting with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski in New York.

The two ministers held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters, discussing various aspects of Nepal-Poland relations.

The two sides exchanged views on further strengthening the growing relations between the two countries and expanding bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

They also emphasised the need to make cooperation between Nepal and Poland more effective at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.

According to the Polish statement, Sikorski condemned Russia’s exploitation of Nepali citizens in its army.

Khanal also met European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera to discuss various aspects of the Nepal-EU partnership.

Khanal expressed his sincere gratitude to Ribera for her message of sympathy and solidarity with Nepal following the Bhotekoshi floods and the difficult situation faced by the country.

The two sides exchanged views on various dimensions of the Nepal-EU partnership and reiterated their commitment to further deepening cooperation, the Foreign Ministry said.

In particular, they discussed strengthening cooperation to support recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction in areas affected by the recent Bhotekoshi floods, which were triggered by the impacts of climate change, the ministry said.