Minister Dr. Rana urges UAE for direct flights between Pokhara and Dubai

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 16: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, paid a courtesy call on Nepal's Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, in Muscat, Oman, today. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference.

During their discussion, the two leaders explored various aspects of Nepal-UAE relations, focusing on labour, tourism, economic development, and cooperation for climate change risk mitigation.

On the occasion, Minister Rana expressed gratitude to the UAE government for providing employment opportunities to Nepal's workforce, according to her personal secretariat. In return, State Minister Al Sayegh acknowledged the significant contributions of the Nepali community to the socio-economic development of the UAE.

They also discussed enhancing cooperation in tourism, economic development, and trade, along with exploring future investment opportunities. Minister Rana proposed initiating direct flights from Dubai to Pokhara International Airport. In response, State Minister Al Sayegh agreed to conduct a technical study and advance plans for the proposed flights.

Additionally, Minister Rana invited the UAE to participate in the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambaad, scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18. She highlighted that the event would address critical regional and global issues, including climate change.