Khanal holds multiple diplomatic meetings in New York as Nepal establishes ties with Grenada
The foreign minister discusses flood recovery, development cooperation and stronger economic ties with his Indian counterpart, US officials and other foreign ministers during the UN General Assembly sidelines. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal (right) and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a meeting on UNGA sidelines in New York. Handout photo
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal attended the opening of the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday as part of a series of diplomatic engagements.
The General Debate was held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All”.
The debate was opened by General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman, followed by an address by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and statements by heads of delegations of UN member states.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who is leading the Nepali delegation, is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24.
Earlier in the afternoon, Khanal addressed a High-Level Ministerial Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries and Friends, convened by the Government of India under the theme “Navigating Together Towards a Brighter Future–The Compelling Case for an Empowered Global South”.
Khanal stressed the importance of solidarity, cooperation and collective action among Global South countries in addressing shared global challenges and advancing common priorities.
He also highlighted the transformative potential of the Global South and called for collective resolve, stronger South-South cooperation and a more equitable and representative global governance architecture.
In a separate bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Khanal expressed appreciation to the government and people of India for their solidarity and immediate critical support following the recent catastrophic floods in Nepal.
The two ministers also discussed matters of common interest and underscored the need to enhance development cooperation while further strengthening the close and longstanding ties between Nepal and India.
Khanal also held bilateral meetings with Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár and Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam.
They exchanged views on further consolidating bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including at the United Nations.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker also called on Khanal.
According to the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, they discussed several issues of common interest, including deepening Nepal-US relations, relief and reconstruction following the recent climate-induced Bhotekoshi floods, and continued US support for Nepal’s recovery efforts.
Khanal also met Atul Keshap, senior vice-president of the US Chamber of Commerce, to discuss expanding investment opportunities, enhancing economic ties and strengthening business partnerships between Nepal and the United States.
Meanwhile, Khanal and Dennis Cornwall, Minister for Finance of Grenada, signed a Joint Communiqué formally establishing diplomatic relations between Nepal and Grenada.
Before the brief signing ceremony at the Nepal Mission, the two ministers exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest.
They underscored the importance of accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, addressing the impacts of climate change, and sharing best practices in tourism, education and other areas of mutual benefit.
With the establishment of diplomatic relations with Grenada, Nepal’s diplomatic outreach has expanded to 186 countries, according to the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations.
In the evening, Khanal attended a reception hosted by US President Donald J. Trump in honour of heads of delegations of UN member states participating in the 81st session of the General Assembly.
Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai addressed the High-Level Discussion on “Beyond 2030: Renewing the Global Commitment to End Poverty in All its Dimensions”.
Rai called for climate-resilient development, climate justice, efforts to close financing and technology gaps, and tangible progress on global development commitments, including the 2030 Agenda and the Pact for the Future.
Rai also held a meeting with Dulguun Damdin-Od, executive director of the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries.
They discussed the organisation’s work to advance the shared interests of landlocked developing countries, including connectivity and aviation, climate change, critical minerals, youth engagement and effective implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action.
The engagements took place on September 22, according to the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations.
Anil Giri is a Chief Sub Editor covering diplomacy, international relations and national politics for The Kathmandu Post. Giri has been working as a journalist for more than two decades, contributing to numerous national and international media outlets.
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