Ambassador Chalise Calls On Rt. Hon. Minister Hugo Swire At The FCO

Ambassador Dr. Suresh C. Chalise paid a visit to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and called on Rt. Hon. Hugo Swire MP, Minister of State at foreign and commonwealth office on the 6th of November 2012. Minister Swire has recently taken over the responsibility of Nepal affairs in the FCO. During the meeting, they conferred on the issues of bilateral interest.

As the year 2015 is fast approaching, which marks the bicentenary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and the UK, Ambassador Chalise and Minister Swire discussed about the possible events and programs that would add a new dimension to further enrich the subsisting relationship between the two countries. In that connection, possibility of establishment of a Foundation in the name of renowned botanist Francis Buchanan Hamilton, who travelled to Nepal in the year 1802-3 and brought flora which still could be found in Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburgh, was figured. Minister Hugo informed the ambassador that DFID and British Embassy at Kathmandu were seriously mulling over to translate the concept of establishing a foundation into reality, which will be aiming to help environmental and disaster issues in Nepal. On the occasion, Minister Swire expressed the willingness of UK to help Nepal’s air safety measures. He was anxious to see Nepal’s air traffic free from air related hazards.

In response to the query of Minister Hugo Swire, Ambassador Dr. Chalise said, “Nepal’s peace process is in the right direction since Management of Arms and Armies is completed and Promulgation of new constitution is in the process”.
Minister Swire and ambassador Chalise both rejoiced for cordial and close bilateral relationship existing between Nepal and UK. Minister affirmed that Nepal was always in UK’s priority and assured the Ambassador that the UK’s help to Nepal shall continue in future as well.