By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Oct. 4: The European Union (EU) has acknowledged the positive developments and the substantial efforts being made by Nepal to improve air safety.
During a meeting of the 12th Nepal-EU Joint Commission on Friday afternoon, the EU announced that it was looking forward to developing a technical assistance project with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in order to support efforts to enhance aviation safety oversight in Nepal. At the same time, it also reiterated that further progress needed to be made, especially in the implementation of the proposed new aviation legislation which is currently under consideration of the federal parliament.
In addition to aviation, a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed in a cordial, candid and constructive atmosphere, according to a press statement released jointly from Brussels and Kathmandu.
One of the key issues discussed at the commission meeting was the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nepali delegation elaborated the efforts being made by the Government of Nepal to contain and fight the coronavirus and provided an update on its economic impact in the country.
It also updated the EU on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and underlined its commitment to deliver on those in line with the national aspiration of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali”. The delegation also presented the government’s plans for Nepal’s graduation from a least developed country to a middle-income country.
Both Nepal and EU also agreed that the current crisis highlighted the importance of an effective multilateral system and on the need to strengthen global capacity to prevent and respond to future pandemics.
Similarly, the EU welcomed the implementation of a modern and progressive constitution in Nepal and stressed the important role of strong, effective and independent institutions, civil society and the press for democracy and good governance.
The EU also appreciated the increasing participation of women in political life and the decision-making process along with welcoming Nepal’s commitment to transitional justice as outlined by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in the 75th UN General Assembly and by Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali at the UN Human Rights Council in February.
Furthermore, as current chair of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Nepal briefed about SAARC’s priorities and the activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU and Nepali delegates acknowledged the importance of regional integration.
The commission was co-chaired by Paola Pampaloni, deputy managing director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Affairs Service and Bharat Raj Paudyal, officiating secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal.
The Joint Commission meeting, which has taken place annually since 2019, attests to the EU’s and Nepal’s determination to further deepen their partnership, the press statement read. The next Nepal-EU Joint Commission will take place in Kathmandu in 2021.