Nepal and South Korea Strengthen Cooperation as Search for Missing Koreans Continues After Bhote Koshi Floods

Nepal and South Korea have agreed to strengthen cooperation in rescue, relief, climate action and long-term recovery following the devastating Bhote Koshi River floods. Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha Durbar on September 6, 2026, where the two sides discussed the ongoing search and rescue operation for people still missing after the deadly floods of August 26.

During the meeting, Khanal thanked South Korea for sending an interagency rapid response team and the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) to support Nepal’s emergency response. He also appreciated South Korea’s humanitarian assistance and relief materials provided to communities affected by the disaster. As Nepal moves from immediate rescue and relief toward recovery, Khanal highlighted the need for resilient and long-lasting infrastructure that can better withstand future disasters and expressed hope for continued support from South Korea.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said his country is willing to support Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction efforts. He also highlighted the wider impact of climate change on vulnerable countries such as Nepal, saying the international community has a responsibility to address climate-related damage. Nepal and South Korea agreed that they should work together to raise global awareness about climate-related challenges, including through international platforms such as the Conference of the Parties (COP).

Cho also said South Korea would raise its voice for the financial support Nepal should receive from the international community to deal with climate-related losses and disasters. Both foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nepal–South Korea relations based on friendship, trust and cooperation.

The Bhote Koshi River floods have caused serious destruction and created a difficult search-and-rescue challenge in Nepal. The continued support from South Korea comes at a critical time as Nepal works to find missing people, provide assistance to affected communities and begin rebuilding damaged infrastructure. The cooperation between the two countries could also play an important role in Nepal’s efforts to build safer infrastructure and prepare for future climate-related disasters.