Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reached out to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi seeking assistance in the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali held hostage by Hamas since October 7, 2023. The dialogue also included discussions about the Sagarmatha Sambad, an international climate change forum hosted by Nepal in May 2024, showcasing the importance of global cooperation on environmental issues.
Nepal is actively seeking Egypt’s support to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali national taken hostage by Hamas militants since October 7, 2023. In a recent phone call, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli urged Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to prioritize negotiations for Joshi’s release. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement highlighting the importance of Egypt’s role in mediating the Gaza ceasefire and the ongoing negotiations concerning hostages.
Prime Minister Oli expressed gratitude towards Egypt for its diplomatic efforts, underscoring their importance in facilitating the release of hostages, including Joshi, as part of the next phase of hostage exchanges. The specific condition of Joshi remains unclear, and he was abducted while participating in a “Learn and Earn” agricultural study program in Israel. This incident involved the abduction of 251 individuals by Hamas, with various hostages still unaccounted for.
During the conversation, President Al-Sisi commended Nepal’s initiative in hosting the Sagarmatha Sambad, an international forum focusing on climate change and environmental sustainability. Prime Minister Oli invited Al-Sisi to attend this significant dialogue scheduled for May 16 to 18 in Kathmandu, where discussions will center on climate challenges and solutions involving global cooperation.
The Sagarmatha Sambad aims to gather 160 to 200 foreign delegates and includes participation from heads of state, various multilateral organizations, and experts in the field. The prime minister sees Egypt’s involvement as valuable for enriching the discussions on pressing environmental issues, further enhancing bilateral ties and multilateral collaboration between the two nations.
Nepal’s proactive engagement with Egypt reflects its urgent diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi from Hamas captivity. At the same time, the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambad emphasizes the importance of international cooperation on climate change, showcasing Nepal’s commitment to addressing global environmental challenges while strengthening bilateral relations with Egypt.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
