Nepal, Bangladesh foreign ministers hold talks in Indian Ocean Conference sidelines

Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Friday on the sidelines of the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Port Louis, Mauritius.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the cordial state of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across various sectors to enhance mutual ties.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir was also present at the meeting.

Dr Khalilur Rahman is currently in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC-2026), which began on Friday. 

The conference has brought together leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the Indian Ocean region to discuss shared challenges, cooperative frameworks, and the future of regional governance.

On the sidelines of the conference, the foreign minister is expected to hold further discussions with counterparts from participating countries. 

According to officials, the engagements also provide an opportunity for Bangladesh to seek support for its candidacy for the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (2026�"27).

The event is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Mauritius and India’s Ministry of External Affairs. 

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also attending the conference and is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.

The Indian Ocean Conference, launched in 2016, has developed into a major regional platform involving around 30 countries, focusing on shared interests and regional cooperation.

SH