Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

119. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to establish a bilateral consultation mechanism with Nepal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37246/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland does not currently have plans to establish a bilateral consultation mechanism with Nepal. Ireland and Nepal, however, have strong and very friendly bilateral relations. The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, attended the Nepal-Ireland friendship day ceremony in Dublin on 18 August, which I understand was an extremely successful event.

Ireland does not have a resident Embassy in Nepal, though our Embassy in New Delhi is also accredited to Nepal. As part of the Global Ireland project, we are currently exploring ways to enhance our bilateral co-operation and contact with countries with which we do not have strong historical links.

The Irish Ambassador in New Delhi recently visited Nepal and met with officials in the Foreign Ministry there. Officials in my department are in regular contact with the Embassy of Nepal in London, and will continue to work towards enhancing the bilateral relations between our countries.