Welcome Remarks by Foreign Secretary Ms. Sewa Lamsal at the Commemorative Programme
of the 100 Years of Nepal-UK Friendship Treaty of 1923
Thursday, 21 December 2023, Singha Durbar State Hall
Honourable Foreign Minister,
Honourable Chairman of the International Relations Committee, Honourable Members of Parliament,
Honourable National Security Advisor,
Respected Chief Secretary,
Respected Chief of Army Staff,
E. Mr. Rob Fenn, Ambassador of the United Kingdom,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Friends from the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Namaskar and a very good afternoon!
It is my singular honour and pleasure to welcome you all to this commemorative programme of the 100 Years of Nepal-United Kingdom Friendship Treaty of 1923.
I am pleased to share with this distinguished audience that the Friendship Treaty of 1923 completed its 100 years today, which was signed at this historic State Hall of Singha Durbar.
Distinguished Guests,
Nepal-UK relations are marked by the distinguished features among the comity of nations. While celebrating the 100th anniversary of this Treaty, it is worthy to mention that we had already celebrated the bicentenary of Nepal-UK relations in 2016.
The UK was the first country to establish an Embassy in Kathmandu. It is also the country where Nepal established her first diplomatic mission abroad.
The United Kingdom has been a major development partner of Nepal for many decades. We have been working closely in the regional and international forums on issues of common concern.
Last month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a commemorative event in Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square to cherish such a joyous occasion.
These are many living testimonies of our enduring friendship and cordiality, which speak volumes about our relationships.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Treaty holds special significance in the annals of Nepal-UK bilateral relations. It opened new avenues for Nepal to expand its engagements with the outside world, including international organizations.
Over the last century, Nepal-UK relations have always remained friendly, cordial, and cooperative. Our bilateral ties deepened and widened in diverse areas. This includes trade, tourism, culture, civil aviation, climate change, and people-to-people contacts, among others.
Excellencies,
Today, we are delighted to have this historic Singha Durbar State Hall as our venue for the event. I would like to thank the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), for making this historic Hall available to us.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs for gracing this occasion despite his busy schedule and for his continuous guidance in hosting this event.
I am grateful to the esteemed Chief Secretary, Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, for his continued support and generosity. I am also thankful to Secretary Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey and the entire team of the OPMCM for the logistic support.
The Ministry remains extremely grateful to all the dignitaries invited here. I acknowledge the gracious presence of the Honourable Foreign Minister, Hon Chairman of the International Relations Committee, Honourable members of parliament and the National Security Advisor, respected Chief Secretary, Chief of Army Staff, esteemed Secretaries from the different Ministries, Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, friends from the media and all distinguished guests present here.
Last, but not the least, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of my colleagues at the Europe-Americas Division of the Ministry. Without their sincere efforts, this event would not have been possible.
Finally, I feel privileged to have this opportunity to welcome our worthy guests as a Foreign Secretary and address our distinguished guests from this historic State Hall.
I thank you all!