Today, the State of Israel marks 78 years of independence in Nepal.
Marking the Great Independence Day of the Ambassador of Israel to Nepal H.E. Shmulik A Bass and Mrs. Meirav Peleg Bass hosted a reception where a gathering of hundreds of people from various walks of life including high level officials of government, business and civil society sectors, security people, politicians as well as members of the diplomatic missions in Kathmandu attended the annual National Day celebration here in capital Wednesday.
The guest of honour was Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav. The event brought together Israelis and Nepalese to celebrate the shared values of innovation and resiliency.
Nepal and Israel have maintained strong, friendly, and cooperative diplomatic relations since establishing formal ties on June 1, 1960, making Nepal the first South Asian nation to recognize the state of Israel. The partnership is rooted in mutual respect, agricultural collaboration, labor exchange, and consistent diplomatic solidarity at the UN.
During the reception, H.E. Ambassador Bass reiterated Israel’s commitment to deepening ties with Nepal and lauded the role being played by Israel in the world highlighting “Israel has become a global leader in cybersecurity.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry’s development agency-MASHAV has trained thousands of Nepalese in capacity building program and gained skilled knowledge.
“Israel is also ready to assist Nepal’s new government’s priority sectors including digital development-education, innovation areas in meaningful ways,” the Israeli envoy stressed.
“Once gain on the National Day, let us renewed our shared cooperation in deepening and strengthening Nepal and Isreal relations,” Ambassador Bass highlighted.
The event also featured traditional Israeli food and music performance by Israeli musicians.
Nepal and the State of Israel established diplomatic relations on 1 June 1960. Israel opened her Embassy in Kathmandu in March 1961.
However, Nepal opened the Honorary Consulate General in Israel in 1993 and opened the Embassy in Tel Aviv on August 13, 2007.
The bilateral relations, marked by mutual cooperation, goodwill, understanding and friendship have expanded in various developmental and cooperation areas.
Nepal continues to support Israel and was the first South Asian country to recognize the existence of Israel by maintaining continued diplomatic relations.
The exchange visits at various levels have immensely helped promote and nurture the relations between Nepal and Israel that has been instrumental in enhancing the cordial relations, expanding the cooperative fields and widening understanding between the people of both the countries.
Israel has been extending worthy cooperation to Nepal in various sectors including agriculture, education, rural development, water resources, tourism, etc.
Israel has also provided job opportunities to Nepalese. But the trade between Nepal and Israel has remained extremely in favor of Israel.
Many Israeli citizens love Nepal’s adventurous touristic sites enhancing the field of tourism. Nepal and Israel have the unique beauty of having the world’s Roof of the World Mt. Everest (8,848.86 meters) and Dead Sea (-435 meters below sea level) as the lowest place on earth respectively.
The program was conducted by Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Janan Bebar.
