The Embassy of Israel celebrated 62 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Israel amidst a function in the capital Tuesday evening.
Nepal-Israel established diplomatic ties on June 1, 1960 during the reign of the then prime ministers of Nepal and Israel B.P. Koirala and David Ben Gurion respectively.
On the occasion expressing his warm wishes at the function on a video congratulatory message, Alternate Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel Yair Lapid said, “For three decades, Nepal was the only country in the region (South Asia) to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.”
“Israel continues to seek out new opportunities to cooperate with Nepal, considering Nepal a great friend and a partner,” the foreign minister added, stated the press release of the Israeli Embassy.
Lauding warm relations between Israel and Nepal, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Hanan Goder said, “Israel and Nepal share the same values of tolerance, democracy, community solidarity and respect for the other.”
“We both nations are proud of our heritage and as small civilizations, face similar challenges. This is what united us in the past and this will continue to keep bilateral relations good,” added the Israeli envoy.
Speaking at the celebration function, former deputy prime minister and minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Sujata Koirala, ex-Foreign Ministers Ramesh Nath Pandey and Pradeep Kumar Gyawali lauded Nepal-Israel relations.
Also, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bharat Raj Paudyal shed light on the ties existing between the two countries, the release added.
On the occasion at the function, Haim Sharett–son of former prime minister and foreign minister of Israel late Moshe Sharett recalled the historic meetings of late Moshe Sharett and late B.P. Koirala that led to intensive dialogue, closer understanding and a deep friendship turned later into bi-national friendship.
It is to note that the late Moshe Sharett was one of the architects for establishing Nepal-Israel relations.
DCM at the Israeli mission in Kathmandu, Tal Shvartsman believed that the bond between Nepal and Israel will continue to grow and flourish in the days ahead.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relationships between Nepal-Israel both the countries have been enjoying cordially. Hence, Israel is continuing its cooperation with Nepal’s development.
Meanwhile, a photo exhibition depicting Nepal-Israel relations was also organized.
Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun was the chief guest at the event attended by high ranking officers of the Nepal Government, members of the diplomatic corps, journalists, entrepreneurs along with distinguished personalities, it said.
(All images from Embassy of Israel)
