Kathmandu, Sept. 23: The 96th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was observed in Kathmandu with a reception hosted by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel attended the reception as the chief guest.

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nepal Fahd Mohammad A. Mnikhr hosted the reception, which was attended by senior government officials, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and representatives from various sectors.

On the occasion, Ambassador Mnikhr highlighted Saudi Arabia’s journey since the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, saying that the country had continued to preserve its values and national identity across generations while advancing on its path of development.

He said the generosity, courage, ambition and authenticity of the Saudi people had shaped the identity of the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia observes its National Day on September 23 every year. This year’s National Day theme is “Our Pride Is in Our Nature.”

Nepal and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations on March 15, 1977. The two countries have maintained friendly relations and cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, tourism, development cooperation and employment.