22 January 2020, Kathmandu
Princess Astrid of Belgium paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwor Pokhrel at Singha Durbar on Tuesday. Princess Astrid who is currently on a five-day visit to Nepal said she would take initiative to further strengthen the economic relations between Nepal and Belgium by promoting trade, investment and tourism.
On the occasion, Minister Pokhrel informed that Nepal has entered the state of political stability and prioritized foreign investment cooperation for its campaign of prosperity. Nepal and Belgium have been enjoying intimate and friendly relations for long, he shared, adding that it could be expanded further via trade, investment and tourism development.
“Belgium is one of the important friendly countries from the EU, so Nepal has attached high importance to the relations with it,” he reminded. The DPM thanked Belgium for providing assistance to the treatment of tuberculosis and leprosy in Nepal.
On the occasion, the Belgian Princess also said Belgium and Nepal are good friends for long. She expressed happiness over the political stability Nepal has witnessed in the recent days.
Princess Astrid assured that the assistance her Foundation was providing to Nepal and other countries in collaboration with WHO was resulting in achievements, so it would be continued in the days ahead.
Princess Astrid, is scheduled to visit Kailali, Nawalparasi and Chitwan. Nepal and Belgium had established diplomatic ties in August 1963.
