Kathmandu, Feb. 7 -- Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba held a telephonic conversation with her Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Thursday night, requesting for his initiatives for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen believed to be taken captive by Hamas.

"During the conversation, Minister Araghchi assured that he would raise the issue of Joshi's release with priority in the upcoming meeting with Hamas officials," said the Foreign Ministry on Friday. "His assurance follows the ongoing process of captive release after the ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas."

Ever since the ceasefire, Deuba has engaged in diplomatic talks with officials of Qatar and Egypt, both key mediators in the peace ta...