Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to visit the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal in the next 12 months.

The UK and Nepal share a long and deep history. Diplomatic relations were established in 1816, and the UK was the first country to formalise diplomatic ties with Nepal. I (Minister Trevelyan) , visited Nepal in March, where I marked 100 years since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship. The Foreign Secretary's travel plans over the next year are still being decided, but Nepal remains a uniquely close and valued partner in the Indo Pacific region. The UK will continue to commemorate this, especially in the centenary anniversary year of the Treaty of Friendship.