Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha announced Kuwait’s intention to hire an additional 200,000 Nepali workers during a media briefing at Tribhuvan International Airport. He shared this information upon returning from the 19th Foreign Ministerial level meeting of Asia’s Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Tehran, Iran.
Foreign Minister Shrestha disclosed that Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, conveyed Kuwait’s plan to increase Nepali workers from the current 100,000 to 300,000. Furthermore, Kuwait will establish an embassy in Kathmandu within this year.
During his diplomatic visit, Foreign Minister Shrestha engaged in bilateral discussions with several counterparts including Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister, Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, and Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister. These discussions centered on enhancing mutual cooperation and exploring shared interests.
Regarding the repatriation of Nepali soldiers serving in the Russian army, Foreign Minister Shrestha reported progress in negotiations with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister. While plans are underway for the return of Nepali citizens, concrete procedures are still being finalized. He noted ongoing efforts to ascertain accurate information regarding Nepalis affected by the Ukraine conflict while serving in the Russian army, including arrangements for compensation for seven individuals who lost their lives.
The developments underscore strengthened ties and cooperative efforts between Nepal and various nations in the Middle East and beyond, marking significant milestones in Nepal’s diplomatic engagements and labor relations abroad.