On the eve of Nepal’s New Year, April 13, the Russian Embassy invited journalists and extended New Year greetings to all Nepalis.

On this occasion, Minister Counsellor and Acting Ambassador Mr. Rinchen Rakshaev emphasized Nepal–Russia relations. Remembering the friendship between Nepal and Russia since July 20, 1956, the Acting Ambassador expressed confidence that this relationship will become even stronger in the coming days. By offering wishes for Nepal’s prosperity and continued national development, his message was taken to mean that Russia is diplomatically proposing cooperation to Nepal.

Minister Counsellor and Acting Ambassador Mr. Rinchen Rakshaev also highlighted the need to strengthen relations between Nepali and Russian media, particularly praising the active role in covering news related to Russia.

The Embassy recalled last year’s high-level meeting held during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, noting that after this meeting, opportunities for economic cooperation in key sectors such as energy, fertilizer supply, and tourism have increased. He also indicated that Russian tourist arrivals in Nepal have begun to rise.

The program was attended by the Embassy’s First Secretary Mr. Denis Shcherbakov, Press Secretary Alexander Ivashev, and other officials, along with a strong presence of Nepali journalists and experts.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Nepal–Russia relations, Russia has extended a helping hand in hydropower, road construction, fertilizer industry establishment, tourism, air transport, health, trade, technology development, and education. Russia had sent 13 proposals for Nepal’s progress years ago, but Nepal has not responded. Russia’s supportive hand will be very important in Nepal’s development.

It is noteworthy that in 1957 Russia opened the door of cooperation for Nepal’s development. Through scholarships, Russia helped produce hundreds of doctors, engineers, and experts. After the Janajati movement, the Balen-led government has begun studying reopening closed industries to create employment. In this, Nepal currently needs support for modernization of projects established with Russian cooperation: the Panauti Hydropower Project (1965), Janakpur Cigarette Factory (1965), Birgunj Sugar Factory (1964), Agricultural Tools Factory (1968), 110 km of the East–West Highway, the Kanti Children’s Hospital building, and modernization of the Rosin and Turpentine Industry built in 1987. Beyond this, Russia wishes to make relations with Nepal even more friendly.

It is necessary for the Balen-led government to reconsider Russia’s cooperative spirit.