Washington DC: As part of his official visit to the United States of America, Nepal's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Prakash Saud, engaged in significant discussions with top US officials regarding development initiatives.

Minister Saud held a meeting with Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power. Their conversation focused on matters related to ongoing USAID programs that align with Nepal's development priorities and their effectiveness. Administrator Power expressed the US government's unwavering commitment to supporting Nepal's democratic progress and strengthening bilateral relations. She reiterated USAID's dedication to aiding Nepal's efforts in fostering inclusive economic development and enhancing investment potential through both government and private sectors.

During the meeting, Minister Saud conveyed his gratitude to USAID for its longstanding support in Nepal's journey towards economic and social development. The officials also deliberated on the close partnership and relations between Nepal and the US, which have spanned over the past 75 years. It's worth noting that in May 2022, a development agreement amounting to 659 million US Dollars was signed between the Government of Nepal and USAID for a five-year period. This assistance will be allocated to various areas following Nepal's transition to a medium-level developing country from the category of Least Developed Country. The discussion also encompassed other potential projects. Present at the meeting were Nepal's Ambassador to the US, Shreedhar Khatry, and US Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson.

Minister Saud continued his engagements by meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the US International Development Finance Corporation, Scott Nathan. Their talks centered on the Corporation's investments in Nepal, with Minister Saud highlighting the government's strategies to promote private sector investment in Nepal. He urged CEO Nathan to increase investment flow to Nepal through the Corporation. CEO Nathan shared insights on expanding the Corporation's investments to further Nepal's economic development, highlighting potential areas of collaboration.

The US International Development Finance Corporation, as a part of the US government, has invested over USD 36 billion in 110 countries and deploys financial instruments to facilitate private sector development through capital investment. These discussions underscore the shared commitment to bolstering Nepal's development and economic growth.