Nepal's President Requests Qatar's Help in Releasing Student Held Hostage by Hamas

During a two-day visit to Nepal, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met with Nepal's President Ram Chandra Poudel. The president requests the emir's assistance in securing the release of a Nepali student, Bipin Joshi, who was taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas during an attack in Southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

Joshi was among 17 Nepali students studying agriculture in Alumim kibbutz near the Gaza Strip when Hamas attacked, killing 10 students and injuring 6 others. Joshi was abducted and taken to Gaza. The emir assured President Poudel that he would do everything possible to help release Joshi, who is believed to still be alive. "I will take necessary initiatives for Joshi's release, as I have done previously," the emir said.

Why this matters: Qatar has played a key role as an intermediary in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, helping negotiate brief ceasefires and the release of hostages. The emir's involvement in securing Joshi's release could be critical, given Qatar's influence and diplomatic ties in the region.

During the meeting, the emir also discussed the conditions of an estimated 400,000 Nepali migrant workers residing in Qatar, many of whom work in construction and manual labor. Concerns have been raised about their working conditions and potential abuse. The emir said there were programs planned to help Nepali workers find employment in other sectors.

Additionally, the emir and President Poudel discussed potential cooperation between Nepal and Qatar in areas such as building hydropower plants, food production, agriculture, and tourism. The visit resulted in the signing of six bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

President Poudel expressed gratitude for the emir's assurances regarding Joshi's release and appreciated Qatar's willingness to address the issues faced by Nepali migrant workers. The president requests assistance to ensure the safe return of the student held in Gaza. He welcomed Qatar's interest in investing in Nepal's hydropower and agriculture sectors, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and promote economic growth. The two leaders agreed to continue working together to secure Joshi's safe return and to improve the welfare of Nepali workers in Qatar.

Key Takeaways

• Qatari Emir visits Nepal, agrees to help secure release of Nepali student held hostage by Hamas.
• Emir discusses conditions of 400,000 Nepali migrant workers in Qatar, plans to help them find other jobs.
• Nepal and Qatar sign 6 agreements to enhance cooperation in hydropower, agriculture, and tourism.
• Nepal's President requests Emir's assistance to ensure safe return of Nepali student held in Gaza.
• Leaders agree to continue working together to secure student's release and improve welfare of Nepali workers in Qatar.