Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Meets Nepalese Deputy PM at ACD

Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Narayan Kaji Shrestha on the sidelines of the 19th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting in the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to an announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The meeting, held on the margins of the continental gathering, focused on bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nepal, ways to strengthen and develop cooperation across all fields, and an exchange of views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Context and Background

The encounter took place during the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), a pan-Asian intergovernmental platform established to broaden cooperation among Asian nations across economic, cultural, scientific, and political domains. Saudi Arabia has participated actively in the forum as part of its wider effort to deepen ties with Asian partners under the Kingdom’s foreign policy priorities.

The meeting also reflects the steady growth of Saudi-Nepali relations. The two countries maintain longstanding diplomatic ties, and Nepal is home to a significant expatriate workforce that contributes to the Kingdom’s labor market and economy. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly affirmed the importance it attaches to the welfare and rights of foreign workers, including Nepali nationals, in line with its labor reforms and quality-of-life initiatives.

Key Details

During the discussions, Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji and Narayan Kaji Shrestha reviewed the state of bilateral relations and explored avenues to develop them further in all fields. The two officials likewise addressed regional and international developments of mutual interest, underscoring the value both countries place on consultation and coordination on matters of shared concern.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the meeting was held on the sidelines of the ACD Ministerial Meeting hosted in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The SPA report, dated June 24, 2024, confirmed the discussions but did not disclose additional agreements or signed documents. The engagement is consistent with the Kingdom’s diplomatic practice of using multilateral gatherings to advance bilateral priorities, including trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.

Implications and Impact

The meeting carries significance beyond the bilateral track. By engaging Nepal on the margins of an Asian ministerial gathering, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as a bridge between regions and a constructive partner in multilateral diplomacy. Such engagements help consolidate the Kingdom’s network of relationships across Asia, a region of growing strategic and economic importance.

For Nepal, the discussions offer an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with a major economy in the Gulf. For Saudi Arabia, continued dialogue with Asian partners supports the diversification of international partnerships that underpins its long-term economic vision. The exchange of views on regional and international developments also signals the two sides’ interest in aligning perspectives on shared challenges, a hallmark of Saudi Arabia’s measured and cooperative approach to global affairs.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The meeting aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s objective of deepening international engagement and building diversified, mutually beneficial partnerships across Asia and beyond. By cultivating relations with countries such as Nepal, the Kingdom advances its broader goals of economic openness, diplomatic connectivity, and global cooperation, reinforcing its standing as a responsible and forward-looking international actor.

20 Questions

Q1. Who met with the Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister?

A1. Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji met with Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Q2. Where did the meeting take place?

A2. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 19th Asia Cooperation Dialogue Ministerial Meeting, which was hosted in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q3. When was the meeting held?

A3. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the meeting was held on June 24, 2024, during the 19th Asia Cooperation Dialogue Ministerial Meeting.

Q4. What is the Asia Cooperation Dialogue?

A4. The Asia Cooperation Dialogue is a pan-Asian intergovernmental platform that promotes cooperation among Asian nations across economic, cultural, scientific, and political fields.

Q5. What topics were discussed at the meeting?

A5. The officials discussed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Nepal, ways to strengthen and develop them in all fields, and regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Q6. Who is Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji?

A6. Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji is the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, representing the Kingdom at the ACD Ministerial Meeting.

Q7. Who is Narayan Kaji Shrestha?

A7. Narayan Kaji Shrestha serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, representing his country at the ACD gathering.

Q8. Which Saudi agency reported the meeting?

A8. The Saudi Press Agency, the Kingdom’s official news agency, reported the meeting and provided the details of the discussions between the two officials.

Q9. What does the meeting say about Saudi-Nepal relations?

A9. It demonstrates the steady and positive development of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Nepal, and both sides’ interest in expanding cooperation across multiple fields.

Q10. What is the significance of the ACD for Saudi Arabia?

A10. The ACD provides Saudi Arabia a platform to deepen ties with Asian partners, supporting its broader foreign policy goal of diversified international engagement and cooperation.

Q11. Did the meeting produce any agreements?

A11. According to the Saudi Press Agency report, no new agreements or signed documents were announced; the meeting focused on discussions and exchange of views.

Q12. Why is Saudi Arabia engaging with Nepal?

A12. Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen bilateral relations with Nepal and address shared interests, reflecting its commitment to constructive diplomacy across Asia and beyond.

Q13. How does this meeting relate to Saudi diplomacy?

A13. It reflects the Kingdom’s practice of using multilateral gatherings to advance bilateral priorities, reinforcing its role as a bridge between regions and a cooperative global partner.

Q14. What role does the Nepalese workforce play in Saudi Arabia?

A14. Nepal is home to a significant expatriate workforce in the Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia has affirmed the importance of worker welfare through its labor reforms and quality-of-life initiatives.

Q15. What regional and international topics were addressed?

A15. The officials exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, underscoring the value both countries place on consultation and coordination.

Q16. Why are such sideline meetings important?

A16. Sideline meetings allow officials to advance bilateral priorities efficiently during multilateral events, strengthening relationships and opening pathways for future cooperation between countries.

Q17. How does this meeting support Saudi Vision 2030?

A17. It advances Vision 2030’s goal of deepening international engagement and building diversified partnerships, supporting economic openness and diplomatic connectivity across Asia.

Q18. What does the meeting indicate about Asian cooperation?

A18. It shows growing momentum in Asian multilateral cooperation, with Saudi Arabia playing a constructive role in fostering dialogue and partnership across the continent.

Q19. Was the meeting bilateral or multilateral?

A19. The meeting was bilateral in nature, held between Saudi and Nepalese officials, but it took place within the multilateral framework of the ACD Ministerial Meeting.

Q20. What is the outlook for Saudi-Nepal ties?

A20. The discussions point to continued positive engagement, with both countries expressing interest in strengthening cooperation in all fields in line with shared goals and mutual respect.

---