Kathmandu, September 13
A delegation of Norwegian parliamentarians arrived in Nepal this week, engaging in high-level discussions with Nepali lawmakers on a wide range of issues, including democratic processes, climate change, and sustainable development.
On Thursday, the Norwegian delegation met with members of Nepal’s International Relations and Tourism Committee at Singha Durbar, where both sides emphasised the strong, friendly relations between the two nations. Discussions focused on enhancing parliamentary cooperation and exploring future collaboration in key areas.
Raj Kishore Yadav, Chairperson of the International Relations Committee, highlighted the significance of the meeting, noting that it was the first formal engagement between parliamentary committees of Nepal and Norway. He described the visit as a part of ongoing efforts to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy between the two countries.
Key topics of discussion included the functioning of parliamentary systems, democratic governance, and joint efforts to address global issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to shared values of democracy, human rights, and social justice.
In addition, the Norwegian delegates praised Nepal’s contributions to international peacekeeping and expressed Norway’s interest in supporting Nepal’s energy sector. Discussions also covered cooperation on reducing the impacts of climate change and achieving sustainable development goals through international platforms.
The Norwegian delegation, led by former Foreign and Defense Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide, expressed optimism about future exchanges of knowledge and experience between the two countries’ parliaments.
Søreide, a member of Norway’s Conservative Party, served as Defense Minister from 2013 to 2017 and as Foreign Minister from 2017 to 2021. The delegation visiting Nepal comprises 14 members, including other prominent Norwegian lawmakers.
