By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

 

“I invite Korean and other foreign investors to explore opportunities in Nepal’s promising sectors, like energy, agriculture, information technology, tourism, infrastructure, and manufacturing,” said Pushpa Raj Bhattarai, Chargé' d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Nepal in Seoul on Sept. 24.

 

Delivering remarks at the reception to mark the 10th National Day of Nepal, which is celebrated as the Constitution Day in commemoration of the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal on September 20, 2015, Pushpa Raj Bhattarai said, “The Government of Nepal is dedicated to accelerating socio-economic development in alignment with the ideals enshrined in the Constitution and the needs of our country and its people. To fulfill these goals, we have established an investment-friendly environment and remain fully committed to further enhancing it.“

 

 

More than 500 guests, including foreign ambassadors and other local and international dignitaries, attended the gala event held at Lotte Hotel in Seoul.

 

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nepal, he said, “Nepal and Korea have forged a partnership built on mutual respect and shared aspirations over the past 50 years. This elationship has flourished through Korean support in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare.”

 

 

He also stressed, “Furthermore, there is a pressing need to reinvigorate our relations, which would benefit from a summit-level visit. Recognizing the importance of summit-level visits in advancing our existing relationship, we are committed to making these visits happen soon.”

 

Delivering congratulatory remarks, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Korea and Nepal are essential partners, not just bilaterally but also regionally and multilaterally, sharing the core value of peace and prosperity in the region.

 

“For example, our two countries agree on the importance of peace on the Korean peninsula and have taken measures to implement the UN Security Council resolution regarding the DPRK.”

 

 

Noting that Korea and Nepal have been working on ways to address a broad range of traditional and emerging challenges such as climate change, energy and advanced technology, he said, “Defense cooperation is also a good example of the deepening ties between our two countries reflecting our mutual trust.”

 

Commenting that each year, around 30,000 Koreans visit Nepal to experience Nepal's rich natural and cultural treasures, Chung said, “Nepal also sends the largest workforce under Korea's Employment Committee System. When these individuals return home, they continue their success stories by taking on an important role in their power. Their contribution not only supports Korea's vibrant economy, but also strengthen the bond between our two countries.”

 

The following is the full-text of the National Day remarks by Mr. Pushpa Raj Bhattarai, Chargé' d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Nepal.— Ed.

 

It is my profound honour  to stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the National Day of Nepal. I am grateful to all of you for attending this celebration. I extend my special thanks to His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Chung Byung-won, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs of the Republic of Korea for accepting our invitation and gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Nepal’s National Day is celebrated as  the Constitution Day in commemoration of the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal on September 20, 2015. It marks the successful culmination of the Nepali people's desire to draft their own constitution through their elected representatives. This Constitution was written in a democratic and inclusive manner, accommodating the aspirations of diverse ethnic groups. Now in its tenth year, the Constitution has institutionalized a federal system of governance and is guiding the country toward economic development for the betterment of Nepali people’s lives.

 

This celebration is especially significant as Nepal and Korea commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year under the tagline 'Everesting Friendship.' This milestone aims to further elevate our relationship through cooperation across the entire spectrum of bilateral ties. The Republic of Korea has been an important development partner for Nepal, assisting in various projects of socio-economic importance.

Over the past 50 years, Nepal and Korea have forged a partnership built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. This relationship has flourished through Korean support in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare. On behalf of the Government of Nepal and the Nepali people, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the government and the people of the Republic of Korea for their continued engagement with Nepal as our important development partner in helping Nepal achieve its development goals. Furthermore, there is a pressing need to reinvigorate our relations, which would benefit from a summit-level visit. Recognizing the importance of summit-level visits in advancing our existing relationship, we are committed to making these visits happen soon.

 

The Government of Nepal is dedicated to accelerating socio-economic development in alignment with the ideals enshrined in the Constitution and the needs of our country and its people. To fulfill these goals, we have established an investment-friendly environment and remain fully committed to further enhancing it. On this auspicious occasion, I invite Korean and other investors to explore opportunities in Nepal’s promising sectors,  like  energy, agriculture, information technology, tourism, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Our two countries are also connected by the enlightening teachings of Gautam Buddha, the apostle of peace. I encourage the friendly people of the Republic of Korea to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of lord Buddha, and to experience the profound spiritual joy and peace it offers.

 

It is heartening to note that people-to-people relations between our countries are remarkable. Over 70,000 Nepalis living in Korea, along with many Korean visitors to Nepal including avid mountaineers, play a pivotal role in deepening these ties. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Korean people who have significantly contributed to promoting Nepal’s mountain tourism. 

The Employment Permit System (EPS) plays a crucial role in strengthening relations at both the state and people-to-people levels between Nepal and Korea. This system has proven beneficial for both countries. Notably, Nepali workers have significantly contributed to the growth and sustainability of the Korean economy by addressing labor shortages, while also improving their own financial situations. Over 100,000 Nepali workers have served in the Korean labor market, with around 55,000 currently employed. The government of Nepal deeply appreciates the government of Korea for providing these valuable employment opportunities.

Likewise, major organizations involved in mountainous activities in Korea, such as the Union of Asian Alpine Associations, the Korea Alpine Federation, the Korean Alpine Club, and the Um Hong-Gil Human Foundation, are actively enhancing our relations by promoting Nepal’s tourism. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to them for their support and affection toward Nepal and the Nepali people. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Heifer International Korea, whose donation of 101 cows to Nepali farmers has significantly strengthened our relations at the grassroots level.

Today, on this occasion, I am honored to mention some Korean personalities who are close friends of Nepal and have played significant roles in promoting Nepal’s tourism in Korea. Among them are Dr. Lee In Jeong, Um Hong-Gil, Tae Sung Kang, and Park Young Seok. Furthermore, I would like to pay rich tribute to those Koreans, including Park Young Seok, who lost their lives in Nepal while attempting to scale its majestic mountains. The Korean mountaineers who have climbed Nepal’s highest peaks and set various records deserve our highest appreciation.

As we celebrate today, we are delighted to host guests from various walks of life, including diplomats, professors, businesspersons, cultural professionals, mountaineers, and tourism experts. I thank you all for accepting our invitation and joining us in this joyous celebration. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. I would also like to thank my colleagues and staff at the embassy for their hard work in successfully organizing and managing the event.

Last but not least, I request you all to enjoy the dinner while watching videos featuring Nepal’s beautiful scenery and melodious songs on the screen.

"May Nepal-Korea friendship blossom, building a bridge of cooperation, peace, and prosperity between our two nations."

 

Thank you.