Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun on Sunday reviewed ongoing search, rescue and relief operations after devastating floods in Nepal killed more than 1,300 people and left around 5,000 missing. The two ministers met in Kathmandu and held detailed talks on efforts to trace missing South Korean nationals, according to Khanal’s office.
The meeting also focused on immediate humanitarian assistance and Nepal’s reconstruction needs after the disaster triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26. Khanal thanked South Korea for sending an inter-agency rapid response team and the Korea Disaster Relief Team to flood-hit areas, along with relief materials and humanitarian support.
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Khanal said Nepal’s priority was to rebuild resilient and durable infrastructure and expressed hope for continued South Korean support. Cho, in turn, expressed the “willingness of the Korean Government to support Nepal in the post-disaster reconstruction efforts”.
Cho also said the “world community has historical responsibility for the damage done to countries like Nepal due to climate change” and called for Nepal and South Korea to work together to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change, including at global forums such as COP. He added that South Korea would raise the issue of financial support that Nepal should receive from the international community.
The two ministers also reiterated their commitment to working closely to further strengthen bilateral ties based on longstanding friendship, mutual trust and cooperation. The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal after the Bhotekoshi River carried floodwaters downstream, sweeping away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower projects.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
