KATHMANDU: A delegation from the European Union (EU) paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Monday.

The meeting was attended by EU Ambassador to Nepal Veronique Lorenzo, along with ambassadors based in Kathmandu from various European countries, and non-residential ambassadors stationed in New Delhi, India.

This marks the first time such a large number of EU ambassadors visited Nepal simultaneously for the Sagarmatha Sambaad, which was held in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18. During the meeting, the two sides reflected on the 51 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the European Union and discussed collaboration for Nepal’s stability, economic development, and good governance.

Prime Minister Oli informed the delegation that Nepal had made significant progress in economic development and good governance following the promulgation of the new Constitution through the Constituent Assembly, after undergoing an armed conflict, a peaceful people’s movement, and peace negotiations.

He highlighted that the formation of the government was the result of cooperation between the two major political parties—CPN-UML and Nepali Congress—with a shared commitment to economic development and good governance.

He urged for expanded investment to accelerate Nepal’s prosperity and job creation. Oli further asserted that there is no possibility of regression from the federal democratic republican system achieved through the people’s struggle, stressing that Nepal’s path forward is stability and prosperity.

Emphasizing Nepal’s foreign policy of “Friendship with all, enmity with none,” Oli assured that Nepal would maintain close relations with its neighbors, India and China, as well as friendly ties with other nations.

He expressed gratitude for the participation in the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad, emphasizing the importance of the “Himalayas to the Ocean” concept and announced the continuation of the event. He also mentioned that with the formation of two commissions under the newly created transitional justice law, based on consultations with stakeholders, there would be no further delays in the justice process.

EU ambassadors pledged to continue supporting Nepal’s socio-economic development in areas such as education, infrastructure, health, green energy, information technology, and climate change. They expressed happiness that Nepal had made strides toward concluding its transitional justice process and urged Nepal to prioritize the concerns of victims.

The ambassadors also congratulated Nepal on the successful hosting of the Sagarmatha Dialogue. Prime Minister Oli’s Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other dignitaries were also present during the meeting.