Ambassador Bhandari sheds light on Nepal-Kuwait relations

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 21 His Excellency Ambassador of Nepal to the State of Kuwait Mr. Durga Prasad Bhandari and his spouse Mrs. Bindhya Bhandari hosted a reception on the occasion of Constitution Day and the National Day of Nepal on Tuesday, 20 September 2022 in the evening at hotel Crowne Plaza, Farwaniya amidst the presence of a number of distinguished guests . His Excellency Sami Abdulaziz Al Hamad, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the chief guest of the event. The programme began with the National Anthem of both Nepal and Kuwait which was followed by cake cutting ceremony wherein the Chief guest of the event His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Sami Abdulaziz Al Hamad , H.E. Ambassador Mr. Bhandari and his spouse Mrs Bhandari jointly cut the cake on that occasion.

Welcoming the guests on that occasion, Ambassador Bhandari expressed gratitude to all the invitees for their gracious presence on the event which was held after two years due to COVID-19 pandemic which had affected all social activities adversely. He congratulated the Nepali community residing in the country of his accreditation and extended best wishes for their welfare on this special day.

Ambassador Bhandari wished for good health and happiness of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as well as for continued peace, progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Kuwait.

Mr. Bhandari shed light on the salient features of the constitution of Nepal promulgated on 20 September 2015 that turned Nepal from the centralized unitary governmental system into a federal democratic republic and added that the National Day of Nepal is being celebrated to mark this historic Day from the year 2016 A.D. He further added, with the promulgation of this new Constitution the aspiration of the Nepali people to write the Constitution by their own elected representatives have been fulfilled. Ambassador Bhandari said that the new constitution of Nepal adopted the value of multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, multi-cultural, and geographically diverse characteristics of the country. He further added that the Constitution has envisaged an egalitarian society putting an end to all kinds of discrimination relating to class, caste, region, language, religion and gender discrimination including all forms of racial untouchability, in order to protect and promote unity in diversity, social and cultural solidarity, tolerance and harmonious attitudes. He underlined that this new constitution has embraced all the essential features of democratic and inclusive governance. He also described about the course of actions taken by the successive governments of Nepal towards the successful implementation of this constitution which is achieved through a prolonged struggle of Nepali people. Mr. Bhandari added that Nepal now has given focus on expediting economic development of the country and achieving the prosperity of Nepali people at an early date. He briefly explained about the trade, tourism and investment opportunity in Nepal. Ambassador Bhandari also shed light on Nepal's commitment and contribution to maintain international peace and order under the aegis of United Nations.

Ambassador Bhandari expressed satisfaction over the recent developments in the area of air connectivity between Nepal and Kuwait. He said that a Nepali airline company started a direct flights between Kathmandu, the Capital City of Nepal, and Kuwait City recently and added that the Kuwaiti airline company that has been operating the direct passengers flights from Kuwait City to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu has also started direct flights from Kuwait City to Gautam Buddha International Airport, Bhairahawa, Lumbini, a place in the South- west region of Nepal since May this year. With this, he said the movement of people and cargo as well as potential of promoting trade and tourism between the two countries has increased.

Shedding light on Nepal Kuwait relationship Ambassador Bhandari mentioned that the Nepal-Kuwait relations are always cordial and friendly and added that the year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He further said that this important milestone year is being celebrated with a number of activities. He said that the two countries are also working closely on matters of regional and global importance and mutual interest on multilateral forums. He added that Nepali nationals working in Kuwait are very happy to contribute in the development efforts of Kuwait and are popular in the local job market for their loyalty, integrity and hardwork. He said that Kuwait has associated with the development efforts of Nepal since a longtime by financing some development projects in Nepal under soft loan arrangement.

Ambassador and Heads of diplomatic missions in Kuwait, Government officials, members of business community, media representatives, members of Nepali community, friends of Nepal and other distinguished invitees attended the programme.

On the occasion, cultural performances by local Nepali artists were also held. A short video prepared by the Nepal Tourism Board was also presented during the programme. Nepal’s unique geographical features with high Himalayas, Nepal’s natural beauty, hills and plain / terai regions, cultural heritages, traditions, customs and local life of Nepali people were illustrated through an audio-visual presentation thereby depicting Nepal’s international image as an attractive tourism destination. A separate stall was also set up displaying Nepali handicraft items and other products of Nepali origin like Khukuri, metallic and wooden products carved by Nepali craftsman, pashmina shawls, agro products like tea, coffee and other such products during the programme. The pictures and photos of popular Nepali sites of cultural importance and tourist attractions were also portrayed on that occasion.

The buffet offered at the end of the event also include items of Nepali cuisines that include Nepali Momo, sel roti , neutrela chhoyala , furaula, sandheko bodi, aalooko achaar ( potato pickle) chicken sandheko etc.
In this connection, a separate programme was also organized at the premises of Nepal Embassy on 19 September 2022 ( 3 Ashoj 2079 B.S. ) to mark the Constitution Day by hoisting the National flag of Nepal amidst the presence of Embassy officials and the members of Nepali community