FM Deuba steps up diplomatic push for Bipin Joshi’s release

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has reaffirmed that the Government of Nepal is making maximum diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, who remains under the control of the Hamas group.

In a statement shared via social media today, Dr. Rana Deuba said that since assuming office, she has prioritized this issue on behalf of the government. “From the UN General Assembly to various international forums, bilateral and multilateral meetings, I have consistently appealed for Bipin’s release. These efforts are ongoing,” she stated.

Highlighting her initiatives, she recalled raising the matter during the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit held in Doha last October, as well as in subsequent sideline meetings.

She further engaged with foreign ministers of countries involved in ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas, including through direct meetings with ambassadors in Nepal, urging them to support Joshi’s release.

Dr. Rana Deuba noted that her ministry intensified diplomatic engagement after progress toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, coupled with international pressure—particularly from former U.S. President Donald Trump—on Hamas to release hostages.

She held phone conversations with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, the chief mediator in the peace talks, urging Joshi’s release in the very first phase. Similarly, she spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, pressing for Israel’s proactive role to ensure Joshi’s inclusion among those to be freed.

Further diplomatic outreach included talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel-Ati, the Iranian foreign minister, and regional leaders.

Even while in Bangkok for medical treatment, she engaged with Egyptian officials to continue the lobbying.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also reached out to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi earlier this year, drawing their attention to the issue.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Rana Deuba acknowledged the ongoing support of the Israeli government, Israeli citizens, the Nepali community in Israel, and the wider international community.

She stressed that the government regards Joshi’s release as a matter of national responsibility and will leave no stone unturned in its pursuit.

She also confirmed that, with the cooperation of the Israeli government and under the ministry’s guidance, Joshi’s mother and sister have traveled to Israel, where they personally appealed to the Israeli President for his safe release.