Kathmandu, Feb. 7 -- Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has held telephonic conversation with Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a part of Nepal's diplomatic initiative to secure the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi who is believed to be held captive by Hamas.

Minister Dr Deuba held telephonic talks with her Iranian counterpart on Thursday night, urging him to use his good office to help release Joshi from Hamas' captivity.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Araghchi gave the assurance that he would raise the issue of Joshi's release with priority in his upcoming meeting with Hamas officials, Foreign Minister Rana's private secretariat said.

Hamas has started releasing people under ...