Russian House in Kathmandu marks 70th anniversary of Russia-Nepal diplomatic ties

KATHMANDU: The Russian House in Kathmandu hosted a commemorative programme today to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Nepal.

The celebration opened with the inauguration of a historical photo exhibition titled 'Russia–Nepal: 70 Years of Friendship and Cooperation' and the traditional lighting of the Panas lamp. Following the national anthems of Russia and Nepal, official welcoming remarks were delivered, and congratulatory messages from Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were read out, Lavrov having sent a diplomatic telegram to his Nepali counterpart.

The evening brought together a number of guests of honour, including Member of Parliament and Coordinator of the Nepal–Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group and former Minister Barshaman Pun, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Nepal Aleksei Vladimirovich Surovtsev, Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu Anastasia Khokhlova, and leaders of Nepal’s Russia‑friendship organisations. Attending leaders included Achutananda Bhandari, Ganesh Shah, Krishna Prasad Bhandari, Ram Bindu Shrestha, Prof Buland Thapa, Bishnu Bahadur Singh, Diwas Amatey, Navaraj Budhathoki and Swaraj Shakya, Secretary General of the Nepal–Russia Friendship and Cultural Association.

Addressing the audience, Ambassador Surovtsev recalled the meeting between the leaders of both nations on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin in September 2025 and expressed gratitude to the many Russian and Nepali public organisations that support bilateral cooperation. Reflecting on the Soviet‑era legacy, he said, "To this day, when we receive letters addressed to the Embassy, we often see people write 'comrades.' We feel a special, warm attitude from the Nepali people toward us, and we understand this largely echoes the assistance the Soviet Union once provided. We are sincerely grateful to the people of Nepal for this memory. This friendship, tested by decades, serves as the solid foundation on which we intend to build a new, modern framework for our cooperation."

Russian House Director Anastasia Khokhlova noted that thousands of Nepali graduates of Soviet and Russian universities have acted as an important link between Moscow and Kathmandu, and that the Russian House has been the flagship of Russia’s humanitarian policy in Nepal for more than 40 years. She said Russian and Nepali scholars continue the work of the late Krishna Prakash Shrestha by making contemporary Russian works accessible to Nepali youth and producing articles to strengthen mutual understanding. Khokhlova added that modern Nepal is a reliable partner of Russia that shares the principles of a just and multipolar world, and expressed confidence that the accumulated experience of joint work will allow development of trade and economic cooperation, attract more Nepali students to Russian universities, and expand cultural exchange programmes.

In recognition of his contribution, the Russian House presented a 'Letter of Appreciation' to Swaraj Shakya, while the Nepal–Russia Friendship and Cultural Association received a 'Token of Love' for its continued efforts to advance bilateral friendship.

The evening also featured remarks from representatives of Nepal’s Russia‑Science Society, the Mitra Kunj Alumni Association, the Friends of RUDN Society, the Nepal–Russia Literary Association, the Nepal–Russia Chamber of Commerce and the Shailee Theatre.

The programme concluded with cultural performances showcasing the artistic heritage of both nations, including traditional Nepali dances, the classical ballet 'The Dying Swan' performed by Yana Yeliseyeva, a musical performance by Juju Kaji Ranjit, and the Russian song 'Nadezhda' ("Hope") performed by Vera Yurchenko. The gathering ended with refreshments and conversation among guests.

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