Kathmandu: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba is returning to Nepal this evening after undergoing a routine health check-up at Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, India. Dr. Rana visited the hospital for a follow-up examination related to her bilateral total hip replacement (THR) last Friday.
Dr. Rana traveled to New Delhi directly from Europe and underwent medical tests at Apollo Hospital on Saturday and Sunday. This trip was solely for health purposes, with no formal meetings scheduled during her stay.
However, on Friday, she addressed the Indo-Nepal Economic Conference in New Delhi. During her speech, Dr. Rana highlighted Nepal’s request for additional air routes from India and emphasized the need for collaboration to fully operationalize Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports. She also encouraged Indian airlines to increase flight operations and invited Indian investors to explore opportunities in Nepal.
Earlier, on December 7, Dr. Rana had embarked on a European visit, primarily to advocate for climate justice at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands. On December 10, she presented Nepal’s case, focusing on the adverse effects of climate change on the country and the compensation Nepal deserves.
This marked Nepal’s first formal representation at the ICJ, where Dr. Rana highlighted the disproportionate impact of carbon emissions by wealthy and developed nations on vulnerable countries like Nepal.
During her European tour, Dr. Rana held bilateral meetings with Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, Belgium’s Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin, and other European officials. She discussed mutual interests, climate impacts, and Nepal’s demand for climate justice in these meetings.
In Brussels, Dr. Rana met with European Union commissioners for Climate Action and International Partnerships, urging them to remove the safety restrictions imposed on Nepal’s airlines in European airspace.
She also visited the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, engaging with scientists and researchers to advocate for studies on the effects of climate change on Nepal’s Himalayan regions and communities.
On December 16, Dr. Rana addressed an equality conference in Berlin, emphasizing Nepal’s achievements in ensuring the inclusion and rights of gender and sexual minorities (LGBTQ+). She highlighted Nepal’s progressive legislation as a leading example in advancing minority rights globally.
Dr. Rana’s diplomatic efforts and health-related visit to New Delhi underscore her active engagement in both domestic and international affairs despite her health commitments.
