Switzerland and Nepal face common challenges related to climate change, particularly in their mountainous regions. The two countries also cooperate on federalism and peacebuilding. For example, Switzerland has supported Nepal’s efforts to establish a federal system of government and to initiate a transitional justice process.
In Kathmandu, Mr Page will meet his counterpart, Dol Prasad Aryal, as well as Narayan Prasad Dahal and members of the Nepal–Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group. The agenda also includes a courtesy visit to President of the Republic Ram Chandra Paudel.
Mr Page and his delegation will visit Bidur in the Nuwakot district, an area that was severely affected by the flash floods on 26 August. There they will meet with victims of the disaster and local authorities to learn about its consequences, the needs of those affected, and the progress of the reconstruction work. In the wake of the disaster, Switzerland released a total of USD 3 million in emergency humanitarian aid.
The programme for the visit also includes two events to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, including the joint inauguration of a park in Lalitpur by Mr Page and the local authorities, and the opening of the 'Halfway between Earth and Heaven: In the Footsteps of Ella' exhibition, which features photographs by the Geneva-based writer and explorer Ella Maillart.
The delegation will also meet with local councillors and representatives of civil society, and visit craft and vocational training projects supported by Swiss development cooperation.
Mr Page will be accompanied on the visit by National Council members Roland Rino Büchel (SVP, SG), Giorgio Fonio (The Centre, TI) and Corina Gredig (Green Liberal Party, ZH).