US Senator Hollen meets with Nepali Foreign Minister Saud

US Senator Chris Van Hollen (left) calls on Foreign Minister NP Saud at Singha Durbar on Friday. (Photo: Foreign Minister NP Saud)

KATHMANDU: Visiting US Senator Chris Van Hollen held a significant meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister NP Saud on Friday, marking an important diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the discussion held in Singha Durbar revolved around a range of topics, including bilateral and multilateral cooperation initiatives between Nepal and the United States.

Senator Hollen, a distinguished member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, is currently on an official tour of Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, underscoring the strategic importance of these countries in US foreign policy.

During his visit, Senator Hollen is scheduled to inspect several US-backed projects and sites of cultural significance. The overarching objective of his journey is to bolster the already strong ties between the United States and these nations, with a particular focus on strengthening security cooperation, fostering economic partnerships, addressing climate change, and advancing democracy and human rights.

Senator Hollen expressed his enthusiasm for the trip, stating, “On this journey, I eagerly anticipate promoting closer relations between the United States and these pivotal South Asian countries within the broader Indo-Pacific region. We will engage in comprehensive discussions covering a wide range of issues, including our shared security interests, the expansion of economic opportunities, the imperative of addressing the climate crisis, and the protection of human rights.”

Preceding Senator Hollen’s visit, a five-member US Congressional delegation, led by Mark Pocan, co-chair of the US Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and chair emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, had already conducted a visit to Nepal, affirming the United States’ commitment to deepening ties with the nation.