KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana has contacted Iranian Foreign Minister Sayyed Abbas Araghchi in an effort to secure the release of Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi, who is being held by Hamas.

Minister Rana spoke with Araghchi last night, urging him to take action for Bipin’s release.

Araghchi assured that the matter would be a priority in his upcoming talks with Hamas officials.

In the wake of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the latter has started releasing prisoners it holds.

The Nepali government is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure Bipin’s freedom. Last week, Minister Rana also appealed to Egypt’s Foreign Minister for the same purpose.

Throughout the ceasefire talks, Rana has been reaching out to Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating the peace process, to advocate for special efforts toward Bipin’s release.

Earlier, Rana had also communicated with the Israeli Foreign Minister, and Nepali Ambassador to Israel, Prof. Dr. Dhan Prasad Pandit, made a similar appeal to the Israeli President.