Kathmandu: Donald Lu, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, arrived in Nepal as part of his South Asian tour, following visits to India and Sri Lanka. His visit aims to deepen US-Nepal ties by advancing cooperation in key areas such as environmental protection, women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable development, according to the US Department of State.

During his visit, Assistant Secretary Lu held meetings with several senior Nepali leaders and civil society representatives.

Meeting with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba
Donald Lu met with Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at Deuba's residence in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu. Discussions centered on bilateral issues and contemporary matters of mutual interest. Deuba's Chief Personal Secretary Bhanu Deuba confirmed that the meeting reflected the shared commitment to strengthening US-Nepal relations.

Engagement with CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal
Assistant Secretary Lu also met with Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister, at Dahal's residence in Lalitpur. Dahal highlighted the significance of US support for Nepal’s peace process, which is nearing conclusion through a nationally agreed approach. Expressing gratitude for international goodwill, Dahal emphasized the importance of fostering mutual relations through such high-level engagements.

Lu, in response, acknowledged Nepal’s progress, including its strides in peacebuilding, as a positive development for the global community. He pledged continued US cooperation in Nepal’s economic development, emphasizing support not just at the governmental level but also from the American people.

Focus Areas and Broader Impact
The visit aims to enhance collaborations in cultural preservation, recognizing Nepal’s rich heritage as a cornerstone of its identity and economic vitality. Lu also engaged with youth leaders to understand their perspectives on the future of US-Nepal relations.

The US Embassy in Kathmandu described the visit as a significant step in reinforcing the longstanding Nepal-US partnership, fostering cooperation in sustainable development and key global challenges.

Assistant Secretary Lu’s visit underscores the growing importance of Nepal in US foreign policy, with both nations seeking to enhance their collaborative efforts in addressing regional and global challenges.