Saudi Ambassador Monaikh Calls on Foreign Minister Khanal

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Fahad Mohammed A. Monaikh, held a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal on Thursday.

During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha Durbar, the two sides discussed Nepal-Saudi bilateral relations, high-level visits, the safety and welfare of Nepali workers, and various issues of mutual interest.

The two sides recalled the significance of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia and stressed the need to continue high-level visits and exchanges to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Foreign Minister Khanal said high-level visits between the two countries would provide further momentum to bilateral relations and help expand cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Minister Khanal thanked Saudi Arabia for the security and protective measures it had taken to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens and Nepali workers living in Saudi Arabia during recent regional conflicts.

He also expressed concern over reports that some Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia had not received proper wages for their work and urged the Saudi side to give due attention to such issues.

Minister Khanal also appreciated the assistance provided by Saudi authorities in repatriating the bodies of Nepali citizens who died in Saudi Arabia.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the existing relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

They also discussed expanding cooperation in political consultations, investment, tourism, air connectivity, labour mobility and the welfare of Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia.

Both sides also expressed their commitment to strengthening communication and dialogue and taking Nepal-Saudi relations to a new level in the coming days.

Nepal and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations on March 15, 1977, and have maintained friendly relations since then.