Ambassador of Nepal to Qatar Dr Narad Nath Bharadwaj emphasised the co-operation and partnership between the two countries in various fields and their keenness to consolidate and develop them.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of Qatar's National Day, he said, "Nepal and Qatar have maintained friendly and cordial relationship ever since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1977. We share common values, principles and commitments based on the Charter of the United Nations. We have always supported each other in international forums on issues of common concern and have embraced the principles of equality, non-interference, mutual respect and co-operation."

He pointed out that in recent decades that Qatar has welcomed thousands of Nepali migrant workers giving them a role in Qatar's phenomenal progress and development while also enabling them to earn and support their families back home. In return, they have also contributed substantially in the reconstruction and economic transformation of Qatar, he said.

In a related context, he said there is high potential for Qatari investment in Nepal's economy for the mutual benefit of both countries, especially in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure development and tourism. He explained that Nepal has prioritised economic development under the motto of "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali," adding that this aspiration can be materialised only with the support and co-operation from friendly countries like Qatar.

He stated that there are other areas of co-operation between Nepal and Qatar, as agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed for agriculture and food security, economic, technical co-operation, and tourism. The two sides now need to identify projects of mutual interest and develop them for the benefit of the two countries and their people, he pointed out.

He congratulated Qatar and its leadership, government and people on National Day, while wishing for continued peace, progress and prosperity.

He said that the whole world has continued to bear the brunt of Covid-19 pandemic throughout the year 2020; however, Qatar has succeeded in handling the situation very effectively with minimum effect to the public health as well as to its economy.

He added, "Effective and evidence-based policies and strong health infrastructure of the country helped mitigate the effects of the pandemic to the lowest possible level. The mortality rate of a mere 0.15%, one of the lowest in the world, is a proof of Qatar's efficient response to the pandemic."

The ambassador concluded by saying that Qatar has made tremendous progress in recent times on its developmental path despite geopolitical challenges, adding that its achievements in systematic urbanisation, expanding public amenities, development of road and railway transportation, creation of sports infrastructure, expansion of ports and maritime connectivity, civil aviation and export trade is phenomenal. "This has brought forth Qatar to global limelight as an economic powerhouse of the Middle East, and appreciation for the resolution and resilience of Qatar and its people even during adverse times."