H. E. Mr. Jhabindra P. Aryal, Ambassador of Nepal to Lebanese Republic presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency General Michel Aoun, President of Lebanon at Baabda Presidential Palace amidst a grand ceremony on 18 October 2017.
The Ambassador was received in audience by the President following the submission of Credentials. During the audience, the Ambassador conveyed the best wishes from the Rt. Hon’ble Bidya Devi Bhandari, President of Nepal to the President and the people of Lebanon for their good health, happiness and prosperity. The Ambassador highlighted that Nepal and Lebanon have been enjoying best of relations ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations and keep similar views in many international and regional issues. He also expressed his determination to focus his efforts to further promote the existing relations. Nepal’s peacekeeping contribution to various hotspots around the world, including the UNIFIL, Lebanon, under the UN mandate has been well-known and the Deputy Commanding Officer of the UNIFIL is from Nepal along with a Nepalese battalion, the Ambassador apprised. The President congratulated the Ambassador and assured full support and cooperation from the Government of Lebanon in discharging his responsibilities. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Secretary General and Chief of Protocol from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, among others, were also present during the audience.
Earlier on 16 October 2017, the Ambassador submitted his copies of Credentials to H. E. Mr. Gibran Bassil, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants at a special ceremony at Bustros Palace (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) along with other 11 Ambassadors both residents and non-resident from different countries. The Ambassador also called on the Foreign Minister and Mr. Hani Chemaitelly, Secretary General separately after the presentation of copies of the Letters of Credence and had deliberations on mutual interests and various bilateral cooperation. While appreciating for the employment opportunities for the Nepalese in Lebanon, the Ambassador said that Nepalese citizens have also been contributing to the economy of Lebanon through their sincere and hard-work.
On 19 October 2017, the Ambassador called on H. E. Mr. Ghady G. El-Khoury, Ambassador and Director General for Political and Consular Affairs of Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants and also the Director General Mr. Georges Ayda of the Ministry of Labour of Lebanon and discussed the matters related to bilateral concerns and Nepalese employees’ welfare in Lebanon. During the meetings, the Ambassador emphasized the need to conclude a General Labour Agreement between the two countries so that it could provide solid parameters for employers and employees in the future. Both the officials responded positively on that and asked whether Nepal could bring draft proposal for their consideration.
The Ambassador is scheduled to meet the resident Ambassadors of the neighbouring countries of Nepal in Beirut as well as the representatives of NRNA and Nepalese community in Lebanon before flying back to Cairo tomorrow.
The Embassy of Nepal
Cairo
19 October 2017