Nepal’s non-resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Maliki, along with Morocco’s Honorary Consul General Ms. Megha Chaudhary and the head of Morocco’s Tourism Board, Mr. Jamal Younes Kilito, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel “Ganes” on Monday. The meeting, held at the ministry, focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and on cooperation in the development of the tourism sector.
What Was Discussed
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further consolidate the historically friendly ties between Nepal and Morocco. Talks centered on tourism promotion, cultural exchange, and identifying potential areas of collaboration between the two nations. Mr. Kilito reportedly expressed interest in Nepal’s tourism potential and suggested that direct cooperation between the two countries’ tourism boards could be expanded going forward.
Background of Nepal-Morocco Relations
Nepal and Morocco have maintained friendly and cordial relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1975. In recent years, the possibilities for cooperation between the two countries have been expanding in areas including agriculture, tourism, culture, renewable energy, and capacity building.
Just last week, Ambassador Maliki also paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, where discussions covered the possibility of chemical fertilizer supply from Morocco to Nepal, along with expanding cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, culture, transport and connectivity, and training and capacity building. The two sides also discussed holding a meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism, which is expected to help identify new areas of cooperation.
Purpose of the Visit
The Moroccan delegation, led by Ambassador Maliki, came to Nepal to take part in a program organized by the Moroccan Embassy and the Honorary Consulate of Morocco in Kathmandu on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of King Mohammed VI and Morocco’s National Day. As part of this visit, a cultural program, a tourism promotion exhibition, seminars, and a reception were organized during which the delegation has been paying courtesy calls on various government bodies.
Minister Paudel’s Priorities
Since taking charge as Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadga Raj Paudel has consistently emphasized linking the tourism sector with Nepal’s nature and culture. During a recent parliamentary discussion on the Tourism Bill, 2083, he stated that policies should be formulated so that the tourism industry can contribute to resolving the challenges facing the country. Minister Paudel has also previously held similar meetings with ambassadors from other countries, including the European Union, to discuss tourism promotion. Observers note that the direct participation of Morocco’s Tourism Board chief in this meeting raises expectations that it could open the door for direct exchange of experience and technical know-how between Nepal and Morocco in the tourism sector.
