Nepal Foreign Minister Receives PH Ambassador-Designate, Commitment to Enhanced Ties Renewed ahead of Diplomatic Milestone

Ambassador-Designate Ignacio presents a gift to Nepal FM Shrestha at the courtesy call

KATHMANDU 03 June 2024– Philippine Ambassador-Designate to Nepal Josel Francisco Ignacio was graciously received by Nepal’s Foreign Minister Hon. Narayan Kaji Shrestha, MP, in Kathmandu on 24 May 2024. Accompanying the Ambassador-designate were Third Secretary and Vice Consul Mark Anthony G. Articulo and Philippine Consul General, a.h., Suraj Vaidya.

FM Shrestha welcomed Ambassador Ignacio, conveying well-wishes on the start of his mission as the Philippines’ envoy to Nepal. During the call, both sides took stock of recent positive developments in bilateral ties, including the first-ever convening of the Philippines-Nepal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on 05 December 2023 in Manila. They also welcomed the steady recovery of tourist travel. In 2023, 4,751 Nepali tourists visited the Philippines, or about half the pre-pandemic number. Ambassador Ignacio, for his part, cited Filipinos’ rising interest in visiting Nepal, both for its cultural and natural attractions. They acknowledged the strong people-to-people connections between both countries, founded on the substantial population of Nepali higher education students in the Philippines, and the significant population of Filipinos residing in Nepal, including professionals and those married to Nepalis.

Both sides renewed their commitment to fostering closer political, trade, business and cultural engagement as the two countries approach the 65th year of diplomatic relations on 12 February 2025. END

Ambassador-Designate Ignacio with Nepali Foreign Minister Shrestha. WIth them are Third Secretary Articulo and Philippine Honorary Consul General Vaidya.

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