During the meeting, the two delegations took stock of overall state of bilateral relations between Nepal and ROK and exchanged views on promoting cooperation in different areas including trade, investment, employment, energy, technology transfer, education, tourism, culture, and people-to-people relations.

The two sides discussed and agreed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Republic of Korea by organizing various events including the exchange of high-level visits in 2024. They also agreed to sign an agreement between Nepal and ROK on waiving visa for holders of official and diplomatic passports, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On the occasion, they also discussed ways and means to help promote the export of Nepali goods to Korea including the formation of bilateral chambers of commerce and industries, exchange of business delegations, providing Nepali products with preferential treatment to enter into the Korean market, helping organise trade fairs, supporting the productive capacity and  value chains of certain products, encouraging joint venture investment in Nepal, transferring technology in small and medium enterprises, among others. The Korean side has agreed to encourage it’s business community to seize opportunity to invest in Nepal in different sectors including hydropower.

While acknowledging the contribution made by the Nepali workers in Korea to the economies of both countries, the Nepali side requested the Korean Government to increase the number of quotas to Nepal and ensure the welfare of the Nepali workers working in Korea.

The two delegations also agreed to work together to promote the number of Korean visitors to Nepal and see the possibility to sign an MOU on Tourism Cooperation. Similarly, both sides agreed to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries. Stressing the need for an enhanced level of  air connectivity between Kathmandu and Seoul, the Nepali side requested for allowing the Nepali Air Operators to operate direct flights to Seoul.

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal and the Embassy of Nepal in Seoul were part of the Nepali delegation. The Korean delegation comprised the officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.

Joint Secretary Thapa also met with Vice President of KOICA  Dong Ho Kim at KOICA Headquarters in Seoul. On the occasion, they discussed on further enhancing KOICA ‘s support to Nepal in different sectors including education, health, rural development, technology and climate change.