PM Oli emphasizes global cooperation for prosperity & announces $1M donation at AIT

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, addressing a program at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand today, emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure a safe and prosperous future for humanity.

During his official visit to Thailand and participation in the sixth summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in Bangkok, Prime Minister Oli highlighted the efforts of the Nepalese government to promote human welfare, prosperity, security, and dignity.

He elaborated on Nepal’s national aspiration of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” and expressed the belief that there is no greater goal than human happiness.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of joint efforts at national, regional, and global levels to address shared challenges such as climate change. He also called upon the global community to collaborate in tackling these pressing issues.

Addressing an audience of Nepali teachers and students, Prime Minister Oli underscored the development of modern agriculture and the production of a skilled workforce for the 21st century.

He expressed confidence that the human resources trained at AIT would contribute significantly to Nepal’s development, particularly in sectors such as water resources.

In his speech, Prime Minister Oli also announced a contribution of one million U.S. dollars to the fund established by AIT for research, studies, and scholarships in Nepal.

Nepali Ambassador to Thailand, Dhambahadur Wali, shared that Nepal ranks fourth among countries with the highest number of foreign students at AIT and emphasized that strengthening cooperation with AIT remains a priority for Nepal.

Currently, 181 Nepali students are enrolled at AIT, and a total of 1,795 Nepali students have completed their studies there.

Additionally, three Nepali faculty members serve on the institution’s Board of Trustees, and seven Nepali faculty members are part of the teaching staff.

Prime Minister Oli, accompanied by First Lady Radhika Shakya, was warmly welcomed by AIT President Prof. Paiboon Sanguansin and other officials at the institution.

This visit marks Prime Minister Oli’s first official trip to Thailand at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

During his visit, Prime Minister Oli is also scheduled to hold side-line meetings with the heads of state and government of BIMSTEC member countries.

The Prime Minister’s delegation includes First Lady Shakya, Foreign Minister Dr. Arjun Kumar Thapa, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic/Development Advisor Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, Chief Secretary of Nepal Mr. Ek Narayan Aryal, and Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amrit Bahadur Rai, among others.