Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal held separate bilateral meetings with ministers from Mauritius and Singapore on the sidelines of the Ninth Indian Ocean Conference in Port Louis.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khanal met Mauritius’ Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Dhananjay Ramful, as well as Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Zaqy Mohamad during his visit.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Regional collaboration and shared priorities within the Indian Ocean framework were also part of the conversations, reflecting Nepal’s growing engagement beyond its immediate neighbourhood.
The meetings come as Nepal seeks to reposition its foreign policy with a broader and more balanced approach, engaging not only with traditional partners but also with emerging and regional actors. Officials say such interactions are part of a wider effort to build diplomatic ties that align more closely with national interests while exploring new avenues of cooperation.
The Indian Ocean Conference has increasingly become a platform for dialogue on regional security, economic partnerships, and climate challenges. Although Nepal is a landlocked country, it has been actively participating in such forums to highlight its connection to broader regional systems, including trade routes and environmental linkages.
Khanal’s meetings are seen as part of Nepal’s ongoing attempt to deepen diplomatic engagement and build strategic partnerships in multilateral settings. While no specific agreements were announced, the interactions signal a continued effort to expand Nepal’s diplomatic footprint in the region.