Kathmandu: Nepal's Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud highlighted the enduring strength of the friendship treaty signed between Nepal and the United Kingdom a century ago, considering it a robust international bilateral mechanism. Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Nepal-UK friendship treaty, Minister Saud emphasized the significance of the treaty signed on December 21, 1923, at Singha Darbar, establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations in 1816.

Minister Saud acknowledged that, at that time, many countries in Africa and Asia were still fighting for political independence and against colonization. He noted that Nepal signed the treaty as a sovereign and independent nation, based on the principles of equality. Over the past hundred years, Nepal's relations with the UK have flourished and expanded in various domains. Minister Saud expressed pride in the growing partnerships in areas such as development cooperation, bilateral trade, tourism, and investment.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal highlighted the expansion of Nepal's international relations following the treaty, noting that it paved the way for Britain to establish its first embassy in Kathmandu. Stressing the importance of the Nepal-UK friendship for bilateral relations, she acknowledged Britain as a major development partner for Nepal.

British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, pointed out that the friendship treaty prevented Nepal from facing foreign occupation and suggested that Nepal, strategically located between the emerging economies of India and China, should benefit from the progress made by its neighboring nations.

The ceremony, attended by National Security Advisor Shankardas Bairagi, Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, high-ranking government officials, ambassadors, and representatives of diplomatic missions in Kathmandu, celebrated the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nepal and the United Kingdom.