British Prince Edward Meets President Poudel to Discuss Climate and Bilateral Ties

British Prince Edward met with President Ramchandra Poudel at Sheetal Niwas to discuss climate change, bilateral ties, and future collaboration between Nepal and the UK. Key topics included Nepal’s upcoming “Sagarmatha Dialogue” and the importance of supporting the Gurkha community. The leaders expressed gratitude for the historical relationship between their countries.

On Tuesday, British Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, paid a courtesy visit to President Ramchandra Poudel at Sheetal Niwas, marking part of his trip to Nepal. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations between Nepal and the UK, particularly in the realm of climate change, an issue of crucial importance to both nations.

President Poudel emphasized Nepal’s commitment to addressing climate change, asserting that the nation, being particularly affected, has been actively advocating for the preservation of the Himalayas on international stages. He shared details of the forthcoming “Sagarmatha Dialogue” scheduled for May 16 to 18 in Kathmandu, with a focus on climate change’s implications for mountainous regions and humanity’s future.

The President expressed appreciation for the British royal family’s continuous engagement, which he believes has fortified the cordial ties between the two countries. He reflected fondly on previous royal visits, including those of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, thanking the UK for its enduring support in Nepal’s development.

Prince Edward, who arrived with his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, expressed a sincere interest in understanding climate change’s effects on Nepal and the country’s initiatives to combat it. He remarked upon the critical role of youth and women empowerment in progressing future UK-Nepal collaborations, acknowledging the historical connection between Nepal and the British Army, particularly regarding the Gurkhas.

Notably, Major-General Gerald Strickland, head of the British Gurkha Brigade, also attended the meeting, presenting the brigade’s 2024 annual report. President Poudel acknowledged the report’s significance and showed gratitude for the continuing support from the UK government, while also engaging in a dialogue about addressing the grievances of former British Gurkhas.

In conclusion, the meeting signified a pivotal step in fortifying Nepal-UK relations, highlighting mutual interests in climate action and socio-economic collaboration, with continued efforts to support the Gurkha community and enhance bilateral mechanisms for addressing their concerns.

The meeting between British Prince Edward and President Ramchandra Poudel was significant in reaffirming diplomatic relations between Nepal and the United Kingdom, particularly amidst growing global concerns regarding climate change. The impending “Sagarmatha Dialogue” reflects Nepal’s proactive stance on environmental issues. The Gurkha community, with its historical ties to the British military, remains integral in discussions of bilateral cooperation, fostering resilience and connection between the two nations.

The recent meeting between Prince Edward and President Poudel underscored the commitment to bolster Nepal and the UK’s longstanding relationship, addressing pressing issues like climate change and community empowerment. Both leaders expressed a mutual willingness to explore future collaborative efforts, particularly in environmental sustainability and support for former Gurkhas, thus enhancing the ties that bind these two nations.

Original Source: kathmandupost.com

About Sofia Nawab

Sofia Nawab is a talented feature writer known for her in-depth profiles and human-interest stories. After obtaining her journalism degree from the University of London, she honed her craft for over a decade at various top-tier publications. Sofia has a unique gift for capturing the essence of the human experience through her writing, and her work often spans cultural and social topics.

View all posts by Sofia Nawab →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *