Kathmandu, Nov. 3: Ambassador of France to Nepal, Gilles Bourbao paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and irrigation, Pampha Bhusal today. In the meeting held at the Ministry, they discussed Nepal-France relations and matters of bilateral interest.

On the occasion, Minister Bhusal expressed interest in energy reserve and hydro energy-related technology, saying Nepal wanted to manage the energy available in the country. Giving assurance that the French companies and industries promoting hydroelectricity would be provided with necessary assistance in Nepal, she urged the French ambassador to take initiatives for the same. Relating to the reality that Nepal has been facing the adverse impact of climate change, the Energy Minister pointed out the need of raising the issues of Nepal-like countries vociferously in the international forums.

The Minister expressed the confidence that the mutual relations subsisting between Nepal and France would be further expanded in the coming days. She also hoped that the cooperation extended to Nepal by France in the economic and social sectors would be continued as well.

French ambassador Bourbao said the private companies in France were willing to bring the new technology the country has developed in the energy sector to Nepal. He urged for cooperation for the same. The ambassador said that the French private companies wanted to bring to Nepal the technology on alternative energy and energy storage developed in France.

Water Resources and Irrigation Secretary Sagar Kumar Rai, joint secretary Madhukar Raj Rajbhandari and representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present in the meeting.