By Our Reporter

Although the tensions and exchanges of fires between India and Pakistan came as big relief for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as the sudden conflict between the two rival nations of South Asia has indirectly lengthened his term as the Prime Minister, the conflict is likely to affect the Sagarmatha Sambaad which he had planned.

Although the two countries have agreed to a ceasefire, they have continued the ban on air space, which will make the trip to Kathmandu for many invitees difficult and lengthy. Participants from Western countries may use a long air route to arrive in Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, the government has said that it completed all preparations for the Sambaad.

The Foreign Ministry has said that at least 175 foreign guests are expected to participate in the Sagarmatha Sambaad scheduled from May 16 to 18 in Kathmandu.

At a press conference organised on Tuesday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, who is also the coordinator of the Sambaad Management Committee, said that 175 guests from abroad and the same number of domestic delegates are expected at the event. She noted that the government has reached the final stage of preparations and released the tentative three-day programme.

“We have reached this point after completing various phases of preparation, including around 10 pre-dialogue sessions,” said Minister Dr. Rana. Around 350 persons will participate in the Sambaad, including high-level delegates from 12 different countries.

The event is being held under the theme “Climate Change, Mountain and the Future of Humanity”, with the aim of facilitating communication, discussion and actionable solutions to the global challenges of climate change.

The Sagarmatha Sambaad is an international platform established by the Government of Nepal to foster dialogue and cooperation on issues affecting humanity.

The programme will begin with inaugural address by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, while Minister Dr. Rana will deliver the welcome remarks.

According to Minister Dr. Rana, distinguished delegates from India and China, as well as the President’s Climate Envoy of Azerbaijan, who also serves as the COP-29 Chair, will address the gathering. An audio-visual message from the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also be presented.

The event will feature 12 thematic sessions involving in-depth discussions and exchanges of ideas among politicians, policymakers, scholars, experts, and researchers, focusing on climate change, mountain issues and opportunities for solutions.

The participants include representatives from 61 foreign and domestic organisations and institutions, including SAARC, BIMSTEC, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, development partners, universities, research centers, civil society and non-governmental organisations.

Minister Dr. Rana expressed confidence that Nepal can establish itself as a neutral and dialogue-friendly diplomatic leader.