KATHMANDU, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reached out to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, urging diplomatic efforts to secure the safe release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who was taken hostage by Hamas during the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Oli made the request over the phone this afternoon. In response, President Erdogan assured him that he would take the matter seriously and make necessary diplomatic efforts. He also pledged to inform Joshi’s family and Nepali society about any developments.

Previously, on February 11, Prime Minister Oli had also spoken to the President of Egypt, requesting his intervention in the safe release of Joshi.

During their conversation, President Erdogan reminded Prime Minister Oli of the invitation to participate in the Diplomatic Conference scheduled to be held in Turkey in April. The two leaders also discussed avenues for economic cooperation and advancing partnerships in science and technology, aiming to strengthen mutual relations between Nepal and Turkey.

The Nepali government has been making consistent diplomatic efforts to secure Joshi’s safe return, while international support and coordination continue to be sought.