Kathmandu, Dec 11: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Prakash Saud, attended the opening ceremony of the 21st Edition of Doha Forum commenced on December 10. The two-day event was inaugurated in the presence of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and almost 38 heads of the State and government of various countries across the globe, according to the press statement issued by Embassy of Nepal in Doha of Qatar on December 10, which was shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. On the sidelines of the Forum, Dr Mohammed bin Abdullahziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, paid a courtesy call on Minister Saud. During the meeting, the two discussed matters of mutual interests in cordial atmosphere, it is said. On the occasion, the Foreign Minister reiterated the request for Qatar’s facilitation for the early release of Bipin Joshi who is presently held captive by Palestinian militant group, Hamas, in Gaza, Israel. In response, the Minister was told that the Government of Qatar was continuing its efforts to ensure the release of Nepali citizen Joshi. According to the press statement, Minister Saud had a fruitful meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart, Dr AK Abdul Momen. During the meeting, matters of mutual interests were discussed with the focus on bilateral cooperation in the development of hydropower and tourism for the benefits of both countries. Besides, Minister Saud also held a meeting with Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, and discussed trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Nepal. —