March 21: The Delegation of the European Union to Nepal inaugurated its new office in Kathmandu earlier this week.

Issuing a statement, the EU Delegation to Nepal said Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni and the EU Ambassador to Nepal Veronica Cody inaugurated the new office amid a function on Monday, March 18.

Inaugurating the new premises, Pampaloni said, "The EU and Nepal have been partners in development cooperation ever since bilateral relations began in 1973. Last year, in 2018, we marked 45 years of our friendship. The role of the EU Delegation to Nepal has been vital in advancing these relations over the years. The purchase of the new delegation premises is a testimony to the European Union's commitment to remain engaged in and with Nepal, and indeed over the long term to strengthen this partnership."

During her visit to Nepal, EU’s Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister for Finance Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi, and the advisor to the prime minister, Rajan Bhattarai.

The EU said in the statement that it is the largest development donor in Nepal. 

The EU said it has tripled its assistance to Nepal from €120 million to €360 million for 2014-2020. 

According to the EU, this financial assistance is focused on rural development, education, governance and reconstruction.

“The European Union stands ready to support the Government of Nepal on its journey toward graduation from LDC status by 2022, and beyond. Further opportunities for cooperation in the areas of common interest are being explored, particularly in the context of preparing for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework for development covering the period of 2021-2027,” the statement said.