Published: 02:23 PM, 16 September 2026
PM Shah Thanks US for Support as Nepal Seeks Stronger Disaster Cooperation
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed gratitude to the United States for its solidarity and assistance to Nepal following the devastating floods in Rasuwa, while calling for stronger international cooperation to address climate-induced disasters.
Prime Minister Shah made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Megan Bouldin, Acting U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar on Wednesday
During the meeting, Shah thanked the U.S. government for its support and solidarity with Nepal at a difficult time as the country continues search, rescue, relief and recovery efforts following the disaster.
The prime minister said the floods had affected both Nepali and foreign nationals, highlighting the broader human impact of the disaster. He also linked the increasing risks of such disasters to the effects of climate change and emphasized the need for stronger global cooperation to reduce climate-related disaster risks and mitigate their impacts.
Shah stressed that countries must strengthen collective efforts to respond to climate-induced disasters, particularly as vulnerable communities face increasingly severe and unpredictable natural hazards.
Nepal seeks greater U.S. investment and tourism cooperation
The meeting also covered opportunities for expanding economic cooperation between Nepal and the United States.
Shah highlighted Nepal’s unique tourism potential and said there were significant opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation through the development and expansion of the tourism sector.
He also assured the U.S. side that Nepal remains open to American investment and would welcome greater U.S. participation in Nepal’s economic development.
The prime minister’s remarks come as Nepal seeks to strengthen international partnerships not only for immediate disaster response but also for long-term recovery, reconstruction and climate resilience.
U.S. expresses solidarity with Nepal
Acting Ambassador Bouldin expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the floods in Rasuwa and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and affected communities.
Bouldin reiterated the U.S. government’s solidarity with the Government of Nepal and the Nepali people during the difficult period.
She said the United States remains ready to provide necessary assistance and cooperation in Nepal’s relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
The United States has already been supporting Nepal’s post-disaster response, including cooperation in forensic victim identification. At Nepal’s request, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation forensic specialists have been working alongside Nepal Police to provide technical assistance in fingerprint collection and analytical techniques for disaster victim identification.
The latest meeting between Shah and Bouldin comes as Nepal continues to deal with the extensive consequences of the Rasuwa floods and their impact on communities, infrastructure and critical economic activities.
The discussions underscored the importance of combining immediate humanitarian assistance with longer-term international cooperation in disaster preparedness, climate resilience, tourism and investment.
For Nepal, strengthening partnerships with international development and humanitarian partners is increasingly important as the country works to recover from the disaster while preparing for future climate-related risks.
>> Source: EPARDAFAS
