Nearly two months after the formation of the government, another high-ranking US official is set to visit Nepal. Sarah B. Rogers, the US State Department's Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, is set to arrive in Nepal on 16 Jestha for a three-day visit. She will be the most senior US diplomat to visit Kathmandu since the formation of the Balendra Shah-led government on 13 Chaitra. 

Rogers is a higher-ranking official than US officials Sameer Paul Kapur and Sergio Gore, who had visited Nepal separately in Baisakh. The continuous visits of high-ranking US officials to Nepal since the formation of the government have increased interest in diplomatic circles. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the Ministry of Home Affairs about Rogers' visit and requested necessary assistance and facilitation at the Tribhuvan International Airport, a senior security official told the Kathmandu Post. 

Earlier, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Sameer Paul Kapur had visited Kathmandu on 7 Baisakh. During the three-day visit, he met with National Independent Party President Ravi Lamichhane, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle. The discussions focused mainly on strengthening bilateral relations and improving Nepal's investment climate.

According to the US Embassy in Kathmandu, Kapoor discussed the possibilities of business cooperation, including participation in the upcoming 'Select USA Investment Summit'. He urged the Nepali delegation to explore opportunities for US investment. He also held talks with the private sector on expanding cooperation in Nepal's emerging technology sectors - digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

A week after Kapoor's visit, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gore also arrived in Kathmandu. He met with Foreign Minister Khanal and Finance Minister Wagle. The meetings discussed issues such as improving trade cooperation, attracting foreign investment, expanding economic relations, and shared prosperity.

However, both US officials were unable to meet Prime Minister Shah. It was reported that they had not publicly requested a meeting with the Prime Minister. It was not immediately clear whether Rogers has requested time to meet Prime Minister Shah. But as per diplomatic tradition, he is expected to pay a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and hold discussions with other officials, diplomatic sources said.

Rogers' visit comes days after a senior official at the US Embassy in Kathmandu set a record by becoming the first serving US diplomat to scale the world's highest peak by climbing Mount Everest. "In a historic achievement in diplomacy and mountaineering, Mike Harker, the Chief of Public Affairs at the US Embassy in Nepal, successfully scaled Mount Everest at 9:10 am on 6th Jestha," the US Embassy said in a statement. "With this, he became the first serving US Foreign Service officer to scale the world's highest peak."

The embassy described it as a symbol of American confidence, determination and spirit of exploration, linking it to the 250th anniversary of America's independence, 'Freedom 250'. According to diplomatic sources, a special ceremony is being held on 17 Jestha to honor Harker's successful ascent, in which Rogers will participate as the chief guest. On the same occasion, the US Embassy has also organized the 'Nepal Ascent Summit 2026', where Rogers will participate.