Date: May 17, 2025 (Jestha 3, 2081 B.S.)
Kathmandu – Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, has once again urged the Qatari Special Envoy for Climate Change and Sustainability, Bader Omar Ismail Al Dafa, to intensify efforts for the release and safe return of Bipin Joshi, the Nepali student abducted by Hamas.
The request was made during a courtesy meeting held on Friday in Kathmandu, where the Qatari envoy was participating in the Sagarmatha Dialogue 2025. In the meeting, Minister Rana acknowledged the efforts made by the Qatari government so far and requested that the issue be given continued diplomatic priority.
Minister Rana said, “We remain committed to ensuring the safety of Nepali citizens like Bipin Joshi. With your cooperation, we are hopeful for a positive outcome.”
Qatar has been playing a key mediating role in the negotiations between Hamas and Israel. Minister Rana had previously made similar appeals to Qatari Foreign Ministers and other high-level officials involved in the ongoing peace negotiations.
Bipin Joshi, a student from Tanahun, was taken hostage during the Hamas attack in Gaza in 2023. He is still believed to be in Hamas custody.
During the meeting, Minister Rana also thanked Qatar for its active participation and support in the Sagarmatha Dialogue and discussed strengthening cooperation between Nepal and Qatar, particularly in areas of climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
The Government of Nepal has been actively reaching out through international channels, urging for Bipin Joshi’s release, and continues to seek humanitarian support from the global community.
