The Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) organised a programme in the capital on Tuesday to mark the golden jubilee of the establishment of Nepal-Russia diplomatic relations.

FM Ramesh Nath Pandey launching a book amidst a function organised on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Russia, in Kathmandu, Tuesday.  The Russian ambassador to Nepal, Andrey Leonidovich Trofimov is standing to the left of the FM. Photo source: Ramesh Chhetri/TRN

FM Ramesh Nath Pandey launching a book amidst a function organised on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Russia, in Kathmandu, Tuesday. The Russian ambassador to Nepal, Andrey Leonidovich Trofimov is standing to the left of the FM. Photo source: Ramesh Chhetri/TRN
The diplomatic relations between Nepal-Russia was established in 1956

Speaking at the programme, Foreign Minister (FM) Ramesh Nath Pandey said that the level of understanding between Nepal and Russia has increased in recent days.

Pandey said that the two countries’ traditional relations have been enhanced in the context of the new world order.

Nepal-Russia relations have been deepening ever since they took shape formally in 1956, and the ties between the two countries can be taken as an example of durable and hassle free relations between any two friendly nations, he said.

He further said that Russian leaders have understood that world peace can be won only by protecting the interests of smaller countries like Nepal.

Russian ambassador to Nepal, Andrey Leonidovich Trofimov, said his country could be a new market for Nepal’s handicraft products, organically produced tea, strawberries and flowers.

Lila Prasad Sharma, former ambassador to Russia, suggested the government to make Russia as a dependable source for Nepal’s security needs.

Also speaking at the programme, Professor Dr Mohan Prasad Lohani said economic ties between the two countries were increasing.

Speaking at the same programme, noted industrialist Rajendra Kumar Khetan said that there are many potential areas for Nepalese products like orthodox tea and coffee, carpets, pashmina and other fine woolens, handicrafts, herbal products etc.

He said that Russia on the other hand can assist Nepal on tapping its vast hydropower resources by providing construction and hydro-electrical mechanicals along with transmission lines apart from industrial and agricultural machinery.

“This relationship should be developed in closer cultural ties, exchange of students etc. resulting into more traffic of people,” Khetan added.