Mintoo, Nepalese envoy for strengthening cooperation in environmental protection

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari on Sunday paid a courtesy call on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in environmental protection and climate action.

During the meeting at the Minister’s office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, they discussed various aspects of the longstanding and friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal, said a press release.

The both sides also exchanged views on further strengthening environmental protection, responses to the impacts of climate change, biodiversity conservation, the sustainable management of forests and natural resources, and regional environmental cooperation.

At the meeting, Abdul Awal Mintoo expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life in the recent devastating calamity in Nepal and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Wishing the injured a speedy recovery, he said that the government and people of Bangladesh stand beside the government and people of Nepal during this time of grief.

The minister also stated that Bangladesh is prepared to continue providing humanitarian assistance and cooperation as needed.

He said that although Bangladesh and Nepal face different types of climate-related risks, the environments and ecosystems of the two countries are closely interconnected.

Changes in Himalayan snow and glaciers, the ecological balance of river basins, excessive rainfall, floods and other climate-induced disasters affect the overall environment of South Asia as well as people’s lives and livelihoods, Abdul Awal Mintoo said.

Ahead of the upcoming COP31 conference, he emphasised regional cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and experience, and joint initiatives to address these shared challenges.

Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari referred to the close relations between Bangladesh and Nepal and expressed interest in expanding cooperation on environmental protection and climate action.

He highlighted opportunities for the relevant institutions of the two countries to exchange experience and technical knowledge, build capacity, and collaborate on environment-friendly development initiatives.

The ambassador expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for showing solidarity with the people of Nepal and extending support following the accident.

He said that Bangladesh’s compassion during this crisis reflects the deep friendship and mutual trust between the peoples of the two countries, and that the government and people of Nepal would remember this assistance with gratitude.

In addition to environmental and climate cooperation, the meeting discussed the growing collaboration between Bangladesh and Nepal in trade, connectivity, tourism, education and renewable energy.

Both sides observed that stronger regional connectivity and economic partnerships would create new opportunities for the peoples of both countries.

They also expressed views that expanding future cooperation in clean and renewable energy could play an important role in achieving green and sustainable development in South Asia.

Dr Fahmida Khanam, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was present at the meeting.