During his attendance at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli engaged in numerous diplomatic activities, including meetings with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa. He expressed gratitude for international support in areas such as health and climate change while addressing issues like lead poisoning and promoting comprehensive democracy at the World Leaders’ Forum. His engagements highlight Nepal’s trajectory towards sustainable development and enhanced global partnerships as it prepares to graduate from LDC status.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, currently in New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly, engaged in a series of crucial diplomatic meetings on the assembly’s sidelines. He commenced his engagements with a courtesy visit to Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Following this meeting, Prime Minister Oli expressed his gratitude for Finland’s support in critical areas such as health, education, and climate action via a post on the social media platform X. He emphasized Nepal’s impending graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, expressing a desire for strengthened collaborations to ensure a sustainable transition. In addition, Prime Minister Oli held significant bilateral discussions with Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, where the leaders addressed shared interests within multilateral forums. During their talks, Prime Minister Oli remarked on the connection between mountains and oceans, pledging collaboration in combating climate change. Prime Minister Oli also had the opportunity to meet with USAID Administrator Samantha Power, to whom he expressed appreciation for the unwavering assistance of the United States in Nepal’s developmental initiatives, particularly through USAID. The Prime Minister served as the keynote speaker at the ‘Lead-Free Future: Partnership Launch and Pledging Event’, organized by USAID on the previous day. In his address, he highlighted lead poisoning as a critical health issue that results in productivity losses and adversely affects child development in developing countries. He advocated for robust domestic policies, international support for national institutions, and partnerships to address these grave challenges. In another significant engagement, Prime Minister Oli addressed the World Leaders’ Forum at Columbia University, where he shared the various challenges faced by Nepal in its democratic journey. He articulated his vision for ‘comprehensive democracy’, which aims to foster an environment that guarantees equal rights, access to opportunities, social justice, and dignity for all citizens. This vision, he noted, aspires to elevate human conscience and progress civilization towards higher ideals. Furthermore, he received a visit from Nisha Biswal, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the US International Development Finance Corporation. Their discussions revolved around Nepal-US development cooperation, particularly focusing on Nepal’s developmental priorities, LDC graduation, and ensuring a smooth progression towards this milestone.
The Prime Minister’s engagements in New York occur within the context of the United Nations General Assembly, which serves as a platform for world leaders to address global issues and foster international collaboration. For Nepal, transitioning from LDC status involves navigating challenges that require robust international partnerships and support. The Prime Minister’s meetings with leaders from Finland and Samoa highlight the importance of global cooperation in addressing critical issues like climate change and sustainable development. Furthermore, the discussions with USAID and US officials reflect the ongoing relationship between Nepal and the United States concerning developmental aid and strategic cooperation.
In conclusion, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s engagements in New York during the UN General Assembly underscore his commitment to fostering international partnerships vital for Nepal’s development. His discussions with Finnish and Samoan leadership, coupled with his address on critical health concerns, exemplify his proactive approach to diplomacy. Emphasizing comprehensive democracy, Prime Minister Oli continues to promote values of equality and justice on an international stage. His efforts aim not only to secure Nepal’s developmental priorities but also to strengthen its ties with global partners moving towards sustainable growth.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
