Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Nepali Foreign Minister Saud

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Nepali Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud emphasized the strength of the U.S.-Nepal partnership during their Washington meeting today.  They highlighted the recently launched $500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact that will build infrastructure, increase access to electricity, and support cross-border power trade.  The Secretary and Foreign Minister also praised over 60 years of partnership on Peace Corps Volunteers’ service in Nepal.  In addition, they discussed expanded Development Finance Corporation investment in Nepal, including a new $125 million loan to a Nepalese bank to provide loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises.  Secretary Blinken also expressed the United States’ condolences for the loss of Nepali students’ lives in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, and concern for Bipin Joshi, who remains missing.