Prime Minister Balendra Shah has held a joint meeting with the non-resident ambassadors, heads of missions and some resident ambassadors of the European Union (EU) in Kathmandu. Prime Minister Shah met with 23 ambassadors and deputy heads of missions of the European Union (EU) in Kathmandu for the annual meeting, as well as some resident ambassadors in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office. On that occasion, Prime Minister Shah briefed about the government's priorities for about two hours. Earlier, immediately after assuming the leadership of the government, Prime Minister Shah had also held group meetings and dialogues with ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions of various countries on March 25.

'We have had a very positive impact and are confident that he will build a progressive democracy,' EU Ambassador to Nepal Veronique Lorenzo said at a joint press conference held after the meeting with Prime Minister Shah. 'I felt that the Prime Minister wanted to bring some changes.'

She said that the upcoming budget would clarify how the government would address the current situation. 'The Prime Minister has stated that the interests and welfare of the citizens are his main objective since he has received a clear mandate,' she said.

Lorenzo mentioned that Nepal's press freedom has always been a priority for the EU. 'However, we are also aware of incidents of trolls, digital trolls, abuse and digital gender violence,' she said.

‘Personally, we have not felt that the situation of press freedom in Nepal has deteriorated, we have also discussed this issue with representatives of civil society. We have seen many materials criticizing the Prime Minister in the Nepali media,’ she said.

Similarly, Lorenzo denied the accusation of EU involvement in the Gen-G movement of last Bhadra. ‘However, we have always given priority to youth. There are many youth-focused programs in operation. We take their views seriously as youth are the social, political and economic future of any country,’ she said.

The increasing number of Nepali students and migrants going to various European countries for higher education and employment has become an important basis for bilateral relations and people-to-people contacts, and the EU ambassadors expressed their willingness to cooperate with Nepal in various fields.

Swedish Ambassador to India and Nepal Jan Theslef praised the recent political changes in Nepal. ‘You have brought about a historic change.’ Earlier we were watching from afar, but now we can see it up close,' he said, 'This is Nepal's time.'

Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli also expressed similar views on the political changes in Kathmandu and the Prime Minister, saying, 'You have all the cards to play, but you have to use them correctly.'

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shah said that the government he leads is committed to improving the daily living standards of Nepali citizens in a real and visible way. Shah also mentioned that he is fully aware of the urgency of the current moment and the heavy responsibility entrusted to him.

According to Prime Minister Shah's press and research expert Deepa Dahal, during the meeting, Prime Minister Shah made it clear that the recent election results in Nepal have given a clear and decisive mandate for good governance and inclusive economic prosperity, and that there will be policy continuity even if a new government is formed.

'Being new does not mean being completely separated from the past.' We are fully committed to protecting democratic values ​​and maintaining political stability, ensuring that Nepal's policy direction is clear, stable and predictable,' said Prime Minister Shah.

Prime Minister Shah also reiterated the government's commitment to good governance and inclusive growth of the economy in Nepal. The Prime Minister also mentioned that the government wants to benefit from the global market to create new opportunities for the people, is committed to encouraging innovation and achieving sustainable development by making processes more convenient to attract large-scale investment, Dahal, a press and research expert, informed.

Similarly, Prime Minister Shah has also made it clear that Nepal will continue to pursue a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy. 'Relations with our neighbors, development partners and friendly countries are guided by the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality and shared prosperity,' he said.

Prime Minister Shah expressed gratitude to all development partners and friendly countries of Nepal for their continuous goodwill and support for Nepal's development and prosperity. Prime Minister Shah also clarified that Nepal is working to strengthen and enhance cooperation in trade, investment, green energy, climate, tourism and other key areas.

Prime Minister Shah stressed that while conflicts continue to affect different parts of the world, ordinary citizens are the ones who suffer the most, emphasizing that dialogue, diplomacy and international law should be prioritized over military confrontation to maintain peace.

The European Union ambassadors in Kathmandu and Delhi and other ambassadors in Kathmandu praised the government for conducting the elections peacefully. They also congratulated Prime Minister Shah on taking over the leadership of the new government with a mandate of good governance, economic development and prosperity. They also mentioned that they are ready to cooperate and invest with Nepal in various areas for economic growth and prosperity.

‘The EU’s partnership with Nepal is becoming stronger.’ The fruitful dialogue with the government, the private sector, civil society and young leaders has shown that there are immense possibilities. The whole of Europe is ready to join hands with Nepal to address challenges such as job creation, sustainable growth and inclusive development,’ Lorenzo said.