People-to-people exchange is a bright spot in Vietnam-Nepal relations

Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai speaks at a ceremony. (Photo: Ngoc Thuy/VNA)

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Nepal diplomatic relations (May 15, 1975 - May 15, 2025), VNA correspondents in South Asia interviewed Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan Nguyen Thanh Hai about the achievements in recent times as well as priorities to promote this traditional friendship in the coming time.

Assessing the achievements of the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Nepal over the past 50 years, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai said that over half a century of establishing diplomatic relations, Vietnam and Nepal have joined hands to foster and develop the good traditional cooperative and friendly relationship between the two countries, especially in the fields of politics, economics, culture and people-to-people diplomacy.

Over the past five decades, political and diplomatic relations between the two countries have been increasingly strengthened, notably the official visit of Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to Vietnam and his attendance at the 2019 United Nations Vesak Festival. In addition, delegations from politicians and friendship associations visiting each other have also contributed to connecting the two countries.

According to Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai, the two countries always support and coordinate well at international and regional forums. At the United Nations forum, Nepal has supported Vietnam's candidacy for important bodies such as the Human Rights Council, the Economic and Social Council, and the Security Council. Vietnam, in turn, supports Nepal's candidacy for the Human Rights Council.

Economic and trade relations between Vietnam and Nepal have had positive developments in recent times, although still modest compared to their potential.

In 2023 and 2024, total two-way trade turnover will reach nearly 100 million USD/year.

Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai further emphasized that the bright spot and important foundation in the relationship between the two countries is people-to-people diplomacy.

The strong promotion of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries in recent years has truly created a bond between the two countries. The Vietnam-Nepal Friendship Association, established in September 2014, has played a very active role.

The Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Nepal, appointed in October 2016, has effectively contributed to the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Along with people-to-people exchange, tourism cooperation is also making positive progress. More and more Vietnamese people are traveling to Nepal to visit Buddhist spiritual sites.

Regarding the direction of promoting cooperation between the two countries in the coming time, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai said that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wishes to deepen and effectively develop the traditional cooperative and friendly relations with Nepal, contributing to the economic and social development of both countries.

Entering a new stage of development, the two countries need to promote each other's strengths to realize the potential for cooperation between the two countries.

Firstly, the two sides need to continue promoting high-level delegation exchanges and other channels to create a political and diplomatic foundation for bilateral relations. At the same time, the two sides need to continue supporting each other in international forums.

Second, the two sides also need to continue to perfect the legal frameworks for bilateral cooperation in various fields, including promoting the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), Memorandums of Understanding on cooperation in areas such as economy, labor, tourism, etc.

Third, strengthen trade and investment promotion activities to realize business opportunities. Nepal wishes to attract investment from Vietnam in areas such as hydropower, renewable energy, agriculture and tourism.

Nepal also has many outstanding products such as handicrafts, medicinal herbs, herbs and special agricultural products. Vietnam has strengths in consumer goods, machinery, processed agricultural products and construction materials.

Fourth, establishing direct air connections between the two countries in the context of increasing travel and tourism needs of the people of the two countries. This is an important condition to exploit each other's tourism potential.

Fifth, continue to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, including strongly promoting the role of the Vietnam-Nepal Friendship Association and the Nepal Peace and Solidarity Council.

According to Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Nepal is an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries. This is an opportunity for both sides to look back on the past and propose specific measures to promote bilateral cooperation in the coming time.

On this occasion, it is expected that the two sides will coordinate to organize a variety of activities to enhance mutual understanding between the people of the two countries and promote friendship and deeper cooperation between departments, ministries, branches and organizations of the two countries. In particular, the Embassy is coordinating with domestic agencies and the Nepalese side to promote high-level delegation exchanges, organize a number of trade-investment promotion activities, tourism, seminars, forums and cultural exchange programs on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/giao-luu-nhan-dan-la-diem-sang-trong-quan-he-viet-nam-nepal-post1038571.vnp