Press Release
The Embassy of Nepal to Switzerland/ Permanent Mission of Nepal in Geneva in association with the NRNA, Switzerland organized a promotional programme on the theme of ‘Mountains: Connecting Peoples and Cultures’ in Bern today.
H. E. Mr. Thomas Gass, Head of South Cooperation Department of Swiss Development Cooperation, who in the past served as the first Swiss residential Ambassador to Nepal and former Assistant Secretary General to the UN, graced the program as the Guest of Honour. Over a hundred guests including university professors, President of Swiss-Nepali Society, President and other members of the NRNA, President of NORLHA (Swiss NGO working in Nepal), Swiss friends of Nepal, and Nepali living in Switzerland were present on the occasion.
H.E. Mr. Deepak Dhital, Ambassador of Nepal to Switzerland, in his opening remarks, highlighted the positive development landscape created in Nepal due to the political stability, and called development partners to align their support for the development of the country. He said that Nepal would from now on march on the path of peace, progress and prosperity with social justice. He further said that the Government was putting its best efforts to attain the overarching goal of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’. Highlighting the prospects of hydropower and tourism development in Nepal, he conveyed that the Government has decided to observe ‘Visit Nepal 2020’ with a view to doubling the number of tourists visiting Nepal to two million. Underscoring the longstanding cooperative relations between Nepal and Switzerland, he extended sincere gratitude to the Swiss government and people for their continued and generous support. Underscoring the geographical and cultural similarity between Nepal and Switzerland, the Ambassador opined that the Swiss experience can provide good inspiration for setting development vision for Nepal. He pointed out that the wider prospects for the promotion of tourism, green growth, investment in industries and infrastructure and power could follow the innovation and creativity applied by Switzerland.
The Guest of Honour; H. E. Mr. Gass, while expressing happiness to be amidst Nepali community, emphasized on the need for stronger partnership between Nepal and Switzerland on issues of common interests. He said geographic and special locations of both countries bring the two countries and peoples together for cooperation and partnership. Reiterating Swiss Government’s commitment to its development partnership with Nepal, he also outlined broader areas of cooperation between Nepal and Switzerland.
President of the NRNA, Switzerland Mr. Bhumi Gurung, spoke highly of the tourism prospects in Nepal and called for stronger collaboration between government and private sectors for achieving desired outcome.
President of Swiss Nepali Society Mr. Markus Ruckstuhl said that Nepal and Switzerland are similar, the only difference is the level of development which can be achieved by Nepal with
the right policy and programme and their effective implementation. He urged Nepali youths to invest in the future of Nepal. A short video featuring Nepal’s natural beauty, heritage sites and
culture was also presented at the program. DPR/Minister of the Mission Mr. Tirtha Raj Wagle gave vote of thanks to all who extended valuable support for organizing this programme.
A Nepali cultural performance in the form of dances and music was also featured as an additional attraction in the programme. Tourism promotional materials were distributed on the occasion. A Nepali dinner was served after the programme. The programme is a continuation of building bridges between Nepali and Swiss people for strengthening bilateral relations in the promotion of trade, tourism and investment .
Embassy/Permanent Mission of Nepal Geneva,
Switzerland,
Sunday 10 June 2018
