Israel is celebrating 75 years of statehood worldwide. Israel’s independence was declared on May 14, 1948.
On this day, David Ben-Gurion read aloud the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel (Israel’s Declaration of Independence) during a ceremony held at Beit Dizengoff in Tel Aviv and signed it along with other members of the Provisional State Council.
Marking the celebrations, the Embassy of Israel celebrated 75 years of Israel’s Independence in Kathmandu today.
Vice President of Nepal Ramsahay Prasad Yadav was the chief guest at the function in which large numbers of guests including the Minister, high level officers of Nepal Government, members of the diplomatic corps, army officials, media people, entrepreneurs and distinguished personalities from various walks-of-life attended the function.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Hanan Goder said, “Geographically Israel and Nepal are small countries but share common values and challenges. Our relations have now received over six decades of careful nurturing and hence, do have solid foundations. We have built on our goodwill towards each other and expanded areas of cooperation to make them meaningful,”
“Nepal and Israel have a unique connection of relationships ranging from the highest point 8,848.86 meters high on earth Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) to the lowest elevation on the surface of earth– the Dead Sea (Salt Sea) lies 427 metres below sea level,” said the envoy.
“Our relations today encompass the ever-expanding areas of cooperation ranging from employment, human resources development, education to agriculture and energy. Israel is one of the sought-after destinations of foreign employment for Nepali youths,” ambassador informed.
Stressing on the need to build bridges of good relations, the envoy said “Nepal and Israel were and will always remain close friends.”
In a video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “75 years ago, we emerged from the Holocaust… today, Israel is a rising power among the world… We have become the example of how you build something seemingly from nothing.”
“We do more with less… We’ve built this, based on the age-old dream that we never gave up to return to our homeland; to rebuild our national life, to be able to defend ourselves, to be able to create and forge a future of peace,” PM Netanyahu concludes his message.
Likewise, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel Eli Cohen in his video message said, “Even when things seem difficult and impossible, think about what we have managed to build and accomplish in just 75 years of Independence. Anything is possible, with a little faith.”
As a symbol for growth and prosperity Israeli seeds were gifted to the guests.
Back in 1960, with extraordinary vision and far-sightedness the then Government of Nepal recognized the State of Israel becoming the only country in the region. Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Israel were established on June 1, 1960.
Almost after nine months of establishment of diplomatic ties, Israel opened its Embassy in Kathmandu in March 1961 whereas Nepal opened its Embassy in Tel Aviv on August 13, 2007.
Since the establishment of ties, the bilateral relations are marked by mutual cooperation, goodwill, understanding and friendship that have expanded in various developmental and cooperation areas.
Having a vibrant society and robust democracy Israel is a major military power, an economic marvel and a technological hub for the entire world. Thus, Nepal being a peace-loving nation and old friend Nepal has to extend hands of cooperation and support Israel’s right to live in peace through dialogue and diplomacy in international forums.
