Nepal is seeking Egypt’s assistance for the release of Bipin Joshi, a captive of Hamas since October 7, 2023. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli discussed the matter with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who assured Nepal of prioritizing negotiations for Joshi’s release. Nepal’s diplomatic outreach continues through discussions with Israel and Qatar, while preparations for the Sagarmatha Sambad highlight ongoing bilateral cooperation.
Nepal has officially requested Egypt’s support to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen kidnapped by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to emphasize Nepal’s need for Egypt’s mediation in this matter. This diplomatic engagement reflects Nepal’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of its citizen.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has praised Egypt’s role in previous negotiations between Hamas and Israel. Prime Minister Oli highlighted Egypt’s success in securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages, urging Al-Sisi to intensify diplomatic efforts for Joshi’s release. President Al-Sisi responded affirmatively, committing to prioritize the release of all hostages, including Joshi, in ongoing negotiations.
Bipin Joshi is a participant in the “Learn and Earn” agricultural program, and he was abducted from Alumim Kibbutz during a Hamas raid, which resulted in a total of 251 individuals being taken hostage. Although there have been mediated hostage releases, Joshi’s current condition remains unknown, underscoring the urgency of continued diplomatic efforts.
Nepal has actively sought assistance beyond Egypt, engaging with Israel and Qatar to help facilitate negotiations with Hamas concerning Joshi’s release. This approach aligns with international diplomatic practices for resolving hostage situations through third-party mediation, a strategy endorsed by foreign policy experts like Dr. Rajan Bhattarai, who highlighted Nepal’s strategic diplomatic outreach to Egypt as especially timely given its past involvement in hostage negotiations.
During their discussion, Prime Minister Oli also invited President Al-Sisi to the Sagarmatha Sambad, an international dialogue on climate change scheduled in Kathmandu from May 16-18. This summit aims to address pressing environmental issues faced by mountainous regions and will gather numerous global leaders and experts in sustainability.
In conclusion, Nepal’s formal request for Egypt’s assistance in the release of Bipin Joshi underscores the importance of international diplomatic collaboration during crises. The continuous engagement with various nations, alongside Egypt’s proven track record in mediation, strengthens Nepal’s approach to securing Joshi’s safe return. Furthermore, the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambad furthers the diplomatic dialogue between Nepal and Egypt, reflecting a commitment to global environmental challenges and bilateral cooperation.
Original Source: nepalmonitor.com
