Interview with H. E. Ambassador of Russia to Nepal Mr. Aleksei Novikov
on the occasion of Diplomat’s Day in Russia. (Part 2)
5. Moving from multilateral to bilateral matters, сould you please brief our readers about the history of cooperation between Russia and Nepal?
Partnership between our countries started to develop intensively from the very beginning of our diplomatic relations, which were established more than 68 years ago – on July 20, 1956.
A great impetus to development of bilateral relations was given by the exchange of high-level visits, which were paid shortly after the establishment of the diplomatic relations. In 1958, King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Deva visited Moscow. In February 1960, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet K.E. Voroshilov arrived in Nepal. These visits ensured mutual understanding and established principles of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs in relations between our countries. Moreover, they laid a solid ground for further practical cooperation in various spheres.
In 1960-80s, our country provided substantial and free of charge assistance to Nepal in the development of its national economy. We constructed here several industrial, social and infrastructural facilities, such as Panauti hydropower station, Kanti children hospital, sugar mill and agriculture tools factory in Birgunj, 110 km part of East-West road, Janakpur Cigarette Factory etc. This assistance played a very crucial role in strengthening of friendship and mutual understanding between our two nations.
Apart from technical and economic aid, Moscow provided Nepali people with opportunities to receive higher education in our universities. In 1957, the first two Nepali students started to acquire knowledge in the USSR. In 1960-1980s, every year our country disbursed more than one hundred scholarships for Nepali young people. Since 1957, more than 8.5 thousand graduates in engineering, medical and other specialties have been trained in this way. Nepali citizens note the quality of Russian higher education, which is widely in demand in the local labor market.
6. How would you estimate current status of Nepal-Russia bilateral relations and the prospects for further advancement of cooperation? What areas could be prioritized?
Over the past years and decades, enormous changes have taken place in our countries and in the world. But the feelings of mutual sympathy between the two peoples and the desire to deepen multifaceted international cooperation have not changed.
On Diplomatic Worker’s Day I traditionally express my gratitude to all my Russian and Nepali colleagues who made their great contribution to strengthening and developing relations between our countries.
Russia attaches great importance to the development of relations with Nepal. Our countries have a rich history of cooperation in economic, cultural, educational, technical spheres. At all times, relations between Moscow and Kathmandu have been of traditionally friendly nature and have never been clouded by any contradictions or differences. Russia values peace-loving foreign policy of Nepal, its adherence to the principles of Non-Alignment and peaceful coexistence.
At the same time, as many Nepalese experts note, the emphasis on neutrality in many ways hinders the achievement of concrete benefits from cooperation. We expect Nepal to have a clearer position on key issues on the international agenda: hunger, climate change, the eradication of neocolonialism, the fight against the glorification of Nazism, including the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. In this regard, we are waiting with interest for details about the upcoming Sagarmatha Dialogue.
We see great prospects in strengthening economic cooperation. The key areas here are hydropower, supplies of grain, oils, fertilizers, the restoration of direct air traffic regularly proposed by the Nepalese side, many other spheres and, of course, tourism. In this regard, the Embassy is tirelessly working with our Nepali colleagues from the Ministries, Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Nepal Investment and Tourism Boards.
Traditionally, Nepal is a very attractive tourist destination for the Russian nationals. Annually, thousands of tourists and mountain climbers arrive to the Himalayan republic to scale the World’s most famous peaks, enjoy centuries-old temples and sanctuaries, get to know the rich cultural heritage of the country. Actually, the number of visitors from Russia to Nepal has been steadily increasing during the last several years and reached the record of 13,7 thousand people in 2024.
Congratulations to Nepal on adding of 6 new eight-thousanders. We hope to see joint Russian-Nepalese expeditions as their first conquerors.
I would like to specificly mention that a Russian sport tourism team is currently in Nepal, which is going a water route of the highest difficulty category along the Arun River. One of the ideas of this expedition is to show human capabilities in the remoted mountainous regions of Nepal, which will undoubtedly serve to increase the influx of foreign tourists.
We also believe that the cultural and humanitarian cooperation between our countries should grow and expand over time. More and younger Russians are interested in Nepal as it is highly interesting, unique and promising country. In the same way, many Nepalis show interest in Russia, the country that has been the bridge between Europe and Asia for many centuries and still remains. Therefore, I would like to emphasize the need for a wider selection of specialties for Nepali students in Russia. We would very much like to give Nepal highly qualified personnel in such areas as medicine, agriculture, hydropower and much more. Russian language courses are also available on the basis of the Russian House in Kathmandu. We consider this an amazing opportunity to increase the potential of interaction between our peoples.
7. This year the world marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory over the fascist Germany and militarist Japan to which the Soviet Union made the decisive contribution. Does the Embassy in Russia plans any commemorative programs?
First of all let me repeat that we must protect memory and historical truth about this Victory, that, regretfully, the West begins to “cancel”.
For instance, on January 27, addressing the UN General Assembly on Holocaust Remembrance Day, Secretary-General Guterres followed in the footsteps of the Western speakers, including during the events held in Europe, and didn’t even mentioned that it was the Soviet army that liberated Auschwitz concentration camp and saved more than 6,000 people from imminent death.
This year in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States is dedicated to Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Victory over Nazism. A large number of events are planned to be held, where we expect to see all our partners. May 9 is the main date, when Victory Parade will take place. Many foreign leaders already expressed their wish to visit it.
I would also like to emphasize that Russian and Chinese leaders agreed to jointly celebrate these two outstanding events which are the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II in Europe and the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II in the Far East. No doubt, these will be outstanding events. They are crucial to reminding everyone, especially the younger generation, of the price paid for peace and to continue firmly countering the attempts to rewrite history, equating Nazis with those who liberated Europe from them and the Far East from Japanese militarism. This is an essential component that cements the comprehensive Russia-China partnership and strategic cooperation.
The Embassy is also preparing to celebrate the anniversary of the sacred Victory in a large and dignified manner. Numerous activities are planned, including the actions “Immortal Regiment” and “St. George Ribbon” in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini. Thematic exhibitions, lectures and film screenings will be held throughout the year. Honoring the memory of our fathers and grandfathers who fought in the Great Patriotic War is not just a task, but our duty!
