KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has made diplomatic attempts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali who is said to be in Hamas' custody. As part of these efforts, she recently called on Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, to assist in facilitating Joshi's release.

Minister Deuba asked for Iran's diplomatic intervention during their talk, stressing the importance of the situation. Minister Araghchi responded by promising to give Joshi's cause top priority during his next meetings with Hamas representatives.

The initiative coincides with Hamas starting to free detainees after reaching a truce deal with Israel. The Nepali government is stepping up diplomatic efforts in light of this development in order to guarantee Joshi's safe return.

Last week, Minister Deuba also made a separate effort to contact the Egyptian Foreign Minister, asking for Egypt's help in obtaining Joshi's release. The peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been actively mediated by Egypt.

Beyond Egypt, Minister Deuba has also been in contact with Qatari authorities, urging them to use their diplomatic influence in negotiations with Hamas. Since the ceasefire discussions began, she has been requesting these countries to make Joshi’s case a priority.

Minister Deuba had already discussed Joshi's predicament over the phone with Israel's Foreign Minister in addition to her direct diplomatic efforts. At several levels, the Nepalese government has been advocating for action.

Similarly, Nepal's envoy to Israel, Prof. Dr. Dhana Prasad Pandit, recently spoke to the Israeli president and asked for help in securing Joshi's release. The diplomatic missions in Israel have done much to urge his liberation.

These actions are a part of the ongoing push by the Nepalese government to secure Joshi's release, which began last year. The government and important international parties have been in continuous communication.

Minister Deuba has been raising the issue in the UN in addition to bringing it up in a number of regional and international venues. Her diplomatic endeavors aim to mobilize global support for Joshi's safe return.