KATHMANDU, April 21: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Kuber Parasad Sharma has expressed profound grief at the untimely demise of Geologist Dr. Toni Hagen, describing him as a true friend of Nepal, and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Minister Sharma, in a statement, said the contributions made by Dr. Hagen to introducing Nepal and the Nepalese to the world would be remembered for ever and recalled the publicity carried out by him for Nepal’s geographical, natural and cultural heritage and his contributions in the social, economic and cultural development of this country.

Minister Sharma also expressed confidence that the contributions of the late Dr. Hagen in the identification, protection and promotion of tourism potential in Nepal will always provide inspiration to the Nepalese.