KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Saturday.

Vice President Xuan arrived in Kathmandu for a three-day official visit at the friendly invitation of Nepalese Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav. During the meeting, both sides discussed various dimensions of Nepal–Vietnam relations, including bilateral interests and shared concerns.

Minister Rana congratulated Vietnam on its rapid recent economic development and noted that other countries could learn from Vietnam’s experience. Rana emphasized the importance of highlighting cultural relations between the two nations, noting that Buddhism serves as a strong link between the peoples of Nepal and Vietnam. She pointed out that many Vietnamese citizens visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, and suggested that both countries could collaborate to promote cultural tourism.

Noting the significant rise in tourist numbers between Nepal and Vietnam in recent years, Minister Rana highlighted the opportunity to further strengthen cooperation in tourism promotion. She also requested Vietnam’s support in establishing direct flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport. Rana further mentioned that Nepal is preparing for graduation from the status of a less developed country after 2026 and sought Vietnam’s assistance in this transition.

Rana also requested Vietnam’s support for Nepal’s candidacy for membership in the UN Human Rights Council (2027–2029) and the Economic and Social Council (2029–2031), to which Vice President Vo assured her of Vietnam’s cooperation.

The discussion also touched upon continued collaboration on bilateral and multilateral platforms, including South–South cooperation and global issues such as climate change. Both leaders emphasized that as members of G-77 and the Non-Aligned Movement, Nepal and Vietnam continue to work together to safeguard the interests of developing nations.