Mr. Chairman
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen
First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the entire Nepal-Russia Friendship and Cultural Association family for the kind invitation extended to me to participate in the programme and speak a few words.
I appreciate the Association’s initiative to mark the 61st Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russian Federation by organizing this event.
I also commend the efforts the Association has been making towards promoting the bilateral relations between our two countries. To my knowledge, the Association has come a long way in promotion of dialogue and exchange of ideas and in diverse areas of our bilateral relations.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Nepal and the Russian Federation have been enjoying excellent relations ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1956. Our relations constitute one of the most harmonious and progressive bilateral relationships based on mutual trust and cooperation. They have grown to encompass multiple areas, hence making our engagement dynamic and multidimensional.
Nepal attaches great importance to our relations with the Russian Federation. We believe that Russia, in addition to other stakeholders, has a crucial role to play in making the world a just and peaceful place to live in.
We celebrated last year the Diamond Jubilee of the establishment of our bilateral relations including through the organization of programmes in both countries. This has given a new momentum in further expanding our relations.
Over the span of last 61 years, our two Governments have been working in close cooperation, not only at bilateral level but also at regional and multilateral forums including in the United Nations. We view that such engagement could help us work closely for mutual benefit in the areas such as trade, counter-terrorism, climate change and sustainable development.
Ladies and Gentlemen
The then Soviet Union started extending economic and development cooperation to Nepal’s development efforts soon after the establishment of our relations. Such cooperation particularly in building physical and industrial infrastructure contributed to Nepal’s modernization process.
Russia’s contribution to Nepal’s economic and social development is also visible through the talented pool of human resources in Nepal that have been shaped by the Russian education. In particular, a large number of technical human resources were trained in the then Soviet Union mainly in the engineering and industrial fields.
Many of those who pursued their higher studies in Russia hold now important positions in both government and non-government sectors. These professionals continue to act as vital links of Nepal-Russia friendship.
We believe that there are good possibilities of further promoting bilateral economic co-operation especially in the field of joint industrial venture. Russian technology relating to hydro-power plants and accessories and non-conventional use of energy is considered to be particularly suitable for Nepal. Russian expertise of energy sector, in which the Russian Federation has a long and leading experience, could be of tremendous importance for us.
As we come to the end of our ‘prolonged political transition’ with the beginning of new chapters of a federal republic, we strive to induct dynamic and positive changes in the country’s economy and overall political and social landscape. In this changed context, I see greater enthusiasm among Nepali people. This can also provide for an enabling environment to explore further avenues in our bilateral relations.
In this context, it is essential that we inject vitality and growth into the architecture of our relations. We need to proactively continue to pursue the objectives of various areas of our cooperation.
The Government of Nepal is committed to making sure that the spirit of our friendship is reflected in better ties and deeper engagement. We also look forward to organizing high level visits and having business contacts and further tourism and cultural exchanges from both countries in order to bolster our relations at all levels.
Finally, I would like to once again commend the efforts made thank the Nepal-Russia Friendship and Cultural Association for organizing this programme and bringing us all together. I wish the Association all success in its efforts to enhance the bilateral relations between Nepal and the Russian Federation.
Thank you very much for your kind attention.
(Remarks by Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, at a Programme Organized to Observe the 61st Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Nepal and Russian Federation on 20 July 2017, Kathmandu)