After leading the government for the fourth time, Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, hasn’t skipped any opportunities for foreign visits. However, even after a year in office, he hasn’t had the chance to welcome any significant foreign heads of state.
This dry spell may end next week, as Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân is likely to visit Nepal. Sources have said that she will make a two-day visit to the Himalayan nation at the invitation of Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav.
A prominent politician in Communist-ruled Vietnam, Xuân was elected Vice President in April 2021 with over 93% votes. She has twice served as acting President due to abrut resignations. A former high school teacher, she joined the Communist Party in 1995 and later held key roles, including the chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam.
Her visit coincides with 50 years of Nepal-Vietnam diplomatic ties. While final preparations are underway, her itinerary includes high-level meetings in Kathmandu and a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
Unlike most foreign dignitaries who visit one of the Kathmandu Valley’s three Durbar Squares, Xuân has expressed interest in visiting all the three, reflecting her deep curiosity about Nepal’s living heritage. However, with only two days scheduled, she may have to limit her tour to one or two sites.
The visit is tentatively set for August 24–25. Discussions are underway about fitting all her requests into the tight schedule, the Foreign Ministry has said.
.
