Jul 08, Kathmandu - Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and German Foreign Minister Dr. Johann David Weidfull held a bilateral meeting today. During the talks held in Berlin, Germany, various issues related to Nepal-Germany relations, bilateral interests, and common concerns were discussed.

On that occasion, Minister Dr. Rana expressed her gratitude to the German government and German citizens, recalling the continuous support received from Germany, one of Nepal's largest and oldest development and trade partners, in economic, social and other sectors.

Minister Dr. Rana stressed the need for collective efforts to further promote bilateral trade and business between Nepal and Germany and encouraged networking between the private sectors of both countries, urging Germany to invest in sectors including chemical fertilizer manufacturing plants in Nepal.

On that occasion, Minister Dr. Rana informed that the necessary strategy is being formulated to facilitate and sustain the potential challenges and opportunities of upgrading from a least developed country in 2026, and added that Nepal expects resources, technology, and financial support from Germany, the European Union, and other partners in the days to come.

Similarly, when Minister Dr. Rana requested for cooperation by informing that Nepal had submitted its candidacy for the post of member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2027 to 2029, member of the Economic and Social Council for the period 2029 to 2031, and non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2037 to 2038, Foreign Minister David expressed his commitment to provide support, according to the Secretariat of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Dr. Rana also urged for direct flights between the two countries, as Germany is the second largest tourist source in Europe for Nepal and although there is great potential for tourism between the two countries, they are unable to fully benefit from it due to the lack of direct air connectivity.

He clarified that the flight ban imposed after Nepali airlines were listed on the European Union's aviation safety list has severely affected the promotion of tourism between the two countries, as direct flights between Nepal and Europe are not possible.

When the Nepal government submitted two bills in parliament to restructure the Civil Aviation Authority and requested Germany, an influential member state of the EU, to play a role in lifting the ban on Nepali airlines, as the proposed laws are not only world best practices but also in line with the recommendations of the EU and ICAO, German Foreign Minister David assured that he would provide all possible assistance in this regard.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr. Rana mentioned that climate change is having an unimaginable impact on Nepal and that the country is suffering from many negative consequences due to this, and also expected support from Germany in the climate justice campaign being launched by Nepal.