KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba and Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, have held a meeting in Muscat of Oman today.

Foreign Minister Dr Deuba and her Iranian counterpart are presently in Muscat, the capital of Oman, to attend the ‘8th Indian Ocean Conference’ and they met on the sidelines of the conference.

On the occasion, the two Foreign Ministers discussed the Nepal-Iran relations and matters of mutual benefit between the two countries.

Minister Dr Deuba requested the Iraninan Foreign Minister to take diplomatic initiative for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi who is believed to be under the captivity of Hamas group.

Foreign Minister Deuba had also held telephonic conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi some days back, urging the latter to take initiative for Joshi’s release from Hamas’ captivity.

During today’s meeting, Foreign Minister Araghchi had given assurances that he would take up the issue of Bipin’s release with Hamas officials with priority.

He assured that he would do his best to free Nepali youth Bipin from Hamas. The government of Nepal has been taking diplomatic initiatives to free Bipin, who was abducted by Hamas in October 2023.

In this connection, Minister Deuba had made this appeal to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar yesterday.

The government has been making diplomatic efforts since last year for securing Bipin’s safe release from the captivity of Hamas.

Minister Deuba has been taking diplomatic initiatives for Bipin’s release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings.