KATHMANDU: The government has requested Qatar and Egypt to mediate for the safe release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, a Nepali who is being held hostage by Hamas extremist group.

The government has requested the ambassadors of Qatar and Egypt to play the role of mediators for the release of Joshi.

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has asked the governments of Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating with Hamas, for the release of Joshi.

At a meeting with the Ambassador of Egypt, Noha Hamdy Ahmed ElGebaly, at the Ministry today Foreign Minister Rana requested the Egyptian government to facilitate the process for Bipin’s release.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Rana made a telephone call on Friday to convey the same message to Qatar’s Ambassador to Nepal, Mishaal Bin Mohamed Ali Al-Ansari, and asked him to play the role of a mediator for Joshi’s release.

Ambassador Ansari, who is currently in Qatar, said that he would consult with the Foreign Minister of Qatar regarding Nepal’s request.

Previously, Foreign Minister Rana had also reached out to the Israeli government through the Israeli ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, in efforts to secure Joshi’s release. The government is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts for Joshi’s release.