Press Release- Conclusion of the 5th Meeting of Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultation Mechanism

The Fifth Meeting of Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was held in Kathmandu today.

The meeting, which also coincided with the celebration of 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Switzerland, reviewed overall aspects of Nepal-Switzerland relations. The two sides appreciated the longstanding friendship and close partnership between the two countries. They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in the days ahead.

The Nepali side briefed the Swiss side on the current political and economic developments in Nepal, including the priorities of the new government, with particular emphasis on good governance, anti-corruption measures, transparency, digital transformation, and efficient public service delivery. The Nepali side also shared that growth in key sectors including hydropower generation and transmission, tourism, and information technology are major economic goals of the government.

The Nepali side expressed appreciation to the Swiss Government for continuously prioritising Nepal under the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) framework. The Nepali side, while expressing gratitude for the Swiss support in diverse areas including federalism, trail bridge construction, migration governance, community forestry, technical and vocational education, and disaster resilience, requested the Swiss Government to enhance the level of cooperation to Nepal in line with the government's priorities.

They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of common concern, including climate change and cooperation in multilateral forums.

Both sides agreed to expedite the conclusion of the proposed MoUs and agreements.

Joint Secretary and Head of the Europe Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Mr Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, and Head of Asia and Pacific Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) of Switzerland H. E. Mr Markus Leitner co-chaired the meeting on behalf of their respective delegations. The Nepali delegation included officials from the Europe Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the sectoral Ministries, while the Swiss delegation included Swiss Ambassador to Nepal H. E. Dr Danielle Meuwly and other officials from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) of Switzerland and the Swiss Embassy in Kathmandu.

Following the meeting, Head of the Nepali Delegation Mr Ganesh Prasad Dhakal hosted a luncheon in honour of the Head of the Swiss Delegation H. E. Markus Leitner, and the accompanying delegates.

Later today, the Swiss Delegation to the BCM, headed by H. E. Markus Leitner, called on Foreign Secretary Mr Amrit Bahadur Rai at the Ministry. On the occasion, the two sides expressed their satisfaction on the outcomes of the BCM meeting.

The MoU on the establishment of BCM between Nepal and Switzerland was signed on 4 November 2015.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Singhadurbar, Kathmandu

27 May 2026