Kathmandu, September 30
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said the international community has shown strong interest in supporting Nepal’s reconstruction efforts following the Bhotekoshi floods and in helping the country address the climate crisis.
Speaking to reporters at Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday after returning from the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Khanal said the international community had expressed concern and solidarity over the damage caused by the Bhotekoshi floods during his meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
“During the meetings, the international community expressed concern about the damage caused by the Bhotekoshi floods and solidarity with Nepal over the suffering caused by the disaster,” Khanal said. “In almost all my formal and informal meetings, there were questions and discussions about how they could support Nepal in this difficult situation.”
Khanal said various countries and international organisations had shown interest in supporting Nepal’s post-flood reconstruction efforts.
He also said the international community was concerned about the broader climate crisis affecting Nepal.
“Overall, Nepal is facing disasters brought about by the climate crisis, and I found that the international community stands in solidarity with us on this issue as well,” Khanal said. “I found that there was particular interest in the issues Nepal raised about its difficulties on the international stage.”
According to Khanal, the Prime Minister’s address to the UN General Assembly and the high-level meetings held by the Nepali delegation helped strengthen Nepal’s position on national interests and climate justice at the international forum.
