The Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud, has pledged to escalate government-level efforts to secure the release of Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi, currently held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Israel.

Today, the Minister met with Joshi's parents in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur.

According to the Minister's Secretariat, he is scheduled to visit Qatar on December 9. On November 24, the Minister specifically urged Qatar's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, who arrived on November 23 for a two-day official visit, to take initiatives for Bipin Joshi's release from Hamas captivity. In response, Qatar's State Minister assured prompt initiatives for Joshi's release.

Earlier, on Thursday, the Minister summoned Israel's ambassador to Nepal to discuss the same matter. Joshi, a Nepali student from Kanchanpur in the Sudurpashim Province, was taken hostage in Israel by Hamas on October 7, and a total of 10 Nepali students were killed in the rebel group's assault.

Qatar is facilitating the ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and the efforts to liberate those remaining in Hamas' confinement.

During his visit to Qatar, the Foreign Minister will participate in the two-day 21st edition of the Doha Forum, commencing on December 10."

Published on: 30 November 2023 | The Himalayan Times