Pelosi, Bipartisan Congressional Delegation Concludes Visit to Nepal
Contact: Ashley Etienne/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616
On Monday, the bipartisan delegation, including Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), visited Karkhana Entrepreneurship, a USAID-supported facility that offers educational opportunities for girls and young women who are seeking to become Nepal's next generation of entrepreneurs.
Kathmandu, Nepal – U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement on the conclusion of a bipartisan Congressional delegation visit to Nepal. Today, the delegation met with the President of Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari.
"Our bipartisan delegation was pleased to meet with President Bhandari to observe the occasion of the 70th anniversary of U.S.-Nepal relations. The President spoke about the geopolitical situation Nepal faces and we discussed a broad range of topics from security and peace to democracy, freedom and human rights, with a special focus on Tibetans.
"The delegation benefitted from a discussion about the steps Nepal has taken toward democracy ahead of the elections on May 14 and June 14. Again, we expressed our hope that the Parliament would pass a constitutional amendment aimed at addressing the concerns of Madhesi minority population.
"Repeatedly during our visit, the Nepalese expressed their appreciation for not only U.S. development assistance, but the support of first responders and other Americans that came to Nepal following the devastating 2015 earthquake.
"Our delegation also visited the Jawalakhel Tibetan Settlement where the Members had the opportunity have personal interactions with local Tibetans.
"Earlier today, we were honored to visit Karkhana Entrepreneurship, a USAID-supported educational facility, that primarily focuses on engaging girls and young women in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. This facility offers innovative and sustainable strategies for developing technology-focused training and small businesses in Nepal."
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