Nepal and the State of Qatar established their formal diplomatic relations on 21 January 1977. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations, both countries enjoy excellent state of relationship and are trying to enhance and strengthen the bonds of friendship to further height. The relations between the two countries have been based on goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperative attitude. At the peoples level as well, there is an atmosphere of tremendous understanding for mutual benefits, Although small in geographical area, both countries are abundantly endowed with natural resources. Nepal has a great potential in water resources and natural beauty. Qatar is enriched with extensive deposits of natural gas and oil. By utilizing these resources both countries can attain one of the highest standards of development and living in the world.


Both countries–Nepal and Qatar have similarities in many important respects. Both countries take pride in their rich ancient cultures. Both countries are small next to much larger neighbors. Both have proud history and tolerant societies in which peoples of all faiths live and work together towards a common goal.

It is a matter of satisfaction that the Nepalese expatriates are meeting a part of Qatar’s manpower requirements and contributing to the progress and prosperity of this country in their own way. It is highly commendable that the government as well as the people of Qatar rely on honesty and hard work of the Nepalese and are providing them with employment opportunities. Now a remarkable number of Nepalese manpower of different categories are serving in different professions. Nepalese expatriates working in Qatar have become a bridge between the two countries and their people.

Nepal and Qatar share similar views on many international agenda and issues. Both countries are members of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), where both work together for the common good of the whole of global humankind. Both countries contribute significantly to the promotion of peace and security in the world. From ancient times, South Asia had close interaction with the Arab world through the enterprising Arab traders. Nepal has consistently shared the aspirations and concerns of the State of Qatar and other Gulf countries for peace in the Middle East. Mutual understanding and cooperation in the Gulf is very vital for the region as well as the entire world.

There exists ample scope of cooperation for mutual benefits between Nepal and Qatar. The indicative areas of cooperation could be:
1. Joint ventures in industries such as food processing, Himalayan spring water for drinking purposes, petrochemicals and hydropower generation.
2. Banking and financial sectors
3. Tourism and tourism related industries
4. Trade in petroleum products, hand made carpets, garments, handicrafts item, medicinal herbs, lentils, cardamom, ginger, fresh vegetables, flowers etc.

Nepal and Qatar signed the Air Service Agreement in 2002. Now, Qatar Airways is operating daily direct passenger flights to Kathmandu and handling a significant quantity of Nepalese export goods bound for Europe and America. Nepal’s justly famed natural Himalayan beauty as well as its rich architecture are receiving worldwide attention and attracting an increasing number of tourists from around the world. Nepal could provide best alternative ambiance for Qatari tourists to spend their holidays away from the bustle of modernity. This could also contribute to the generation of close trade and investment relations between the two countries. The availability of inexpensive work force and other natural advantages would certainly make for profitable investment in Nepal. Nepal recently abolished its 240 year long monarchy in favour of establhishing a Federal Democratice Republic. The already adopted  liberal economic system needs to be accomodated through timely amendment of related rules and regulations. The Government is under the process of amendment of various rules and regulations to match the current policies and strategies adopted by the Government. Through these amendments, the Government has expected to create a investment friendly atmosphere in the country to expedite the economic revolution together with the political transformation. Amendments were also brought into the foreign direct investment related laws and regulations. Now, there are no legal and practical barriers to repatriate the profits from the investments. In short Nepal is a country of choice as a destination for tourism, trade and investment opportunity.

Higher level visits always generate an atmosphere of goodwill and trust. Keeping this spirit, there have been many visits from Nepal to Qatar. His Majesty Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev visited Qatar in the summer of 1999 while returning back from London to Kathmandu. Similarly, His Majesty Late King Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev visited Doha in January 2000. His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev visited Doha in June 2005. Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah visited Doha in August 2001 and November 2002 while returning back from London to Kathmandu. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Himani Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah visited Doha in August 2001. Earlier in September 1998, the Right Honorable Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had also visited and had meaningful talks with the highest authorities of Qatar. Honourable Mr. Ramesh Lekhak, Ministers for Labour and Transport Management visited Qatar in January 2008 to sign the Additional Protocol to the Labour Agreement signed between the two countries. Similarly, after the abolition of monarcy in Nepal, Honourable Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, Minister for Finance paid a visit to Qatar during 28 November to 03 December 2008 to participate in the Follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of Monterrey Consensus. Hon. Mr. Upendra Yadav, Minister for Foreign Affairs paid an unofficial visit to the State of Qatar during 14-16 March 2009 and held bilateral talks with the Minister of Labour of the State of Qatar NRNs in Doha. Many Ministers, Members of Parliament- Legislature and other high ranking government officials have been frequently visiting Qatar both formally and informally. Now, the people and the Government of Nepal are eagerly awaiting to welcome the high dignitaries of Qatar and add up further milestones to Nepal-Qatar relations.