Kathmandu, Dec.13: The meeting has been held between Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba and Commissioner for International Partnerships at the European Commission Jozef Síkela in Brussels on Thursday.

The discussion in the meeting held on December 12 focused on economic relations, development cooperation, and particularly Nepal’s request for the EU’s support for ensuring smooth, sustainable and irreversible graduation of Nepal from the LDC category.

Foreign Minister Dr Rana urged a longer transition period on trade-related concessions from the EU after Nepal’s graduation in 2026.

The two sides also took stock of the processes for Nepal’s access to the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) after the LDC graduation in the meeting.

The Foreign Minister also requested for lifting of the ban on Nepali airlines from the EU’s grey list.

Nepal and the EU have enjoyed close, cordial and friendly relations ever since the establishment of Nepal’s diplomatic ties with the European Commission in 1974.

The EU is an important development partner of Nepal. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two sides.