Ambassadors Club Nepal hosts Canada's Dep High Comm Dr Allen to deepen cooperation on trade, education, climate

KATHMANDU: Ambassadors Club Nepal hosted Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nepal, Dr Mark Allen, for a high-level diplomatic engagement in Kathmandu to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.

Dr Allen visited with Dr Buddha Basnyat, Honorary Consul of Canada to Nepal, and Tejdeep Kaur. The delegation was welcomed by Amb Dr Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, President of International Relations Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD), Ambassadors Club Nepal, Diplomat Nepal, and Diplomatic Academy Nepal (DAN), who recalled the 60-year history of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Canada, established in 1965.

Marking the first anniversary of the four institutions on May 18, 2026, Amb Dr Sarmila said, "Over the past year, we have dedicated ourselves to bridging worlds through dialogue, diplomacy, and partnership. Today, we continue this journey with greater enthusiasm, stronger commitment, and a shared vision of creating meaningful international cooperation that benefits nations and people alike."

Amb Dr Parajuli outlined the roles of the host organisations, presenting Ambassadors Club Nepal as a platform for engagement among heads of mission and international organisations, IRGDD as Nepal’s Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy think tank, Diplomat Nepal as a professional dialogue forum, and Diplomatic Academy Nepal as an institution for diplomatic education. She also acknowledged the contributions of Ambassador Kali Prasad Pokharel and cited the traditional philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

On bilateral ties, Amb Dr Parajuli said, "Deputy High Commissioner Dr Allen is not a guest in a foreign land but a member of our extended family. This spirit of openness, friendship, and shared humanity defines Nepal's engagement with the world and remains at the heart of Ambassadors Club Nepal." She highlighted the Nepali diaspora in Canada, welcomed Canada’s recognition of Nepal Heritage Day, and pointed to prospects for cooperation in trade, investment, education, climate action, research, and cultural exchange.

In his keynote address, Dr Allen noted that his visit coincided with the Fourth Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between Nepal and Canada. He said Nepal's young leadership and reform agenda, together with Canada's focus on expanding international partnerships under Prime Minister Mark Carney, offer key opportunities to deepen cooperation. He added that diplomats, civil society, academia, think tanks, businesses, and young leaders all play essential roles alongside governments in building international partnerships.

The event concluded with an interactive dialogue on strategic priorities including trade, higher education, digital transformation, climate resilience, and labour mobility. Following the discussion, Amb Dr Parajuli conferred honorary membership of the Ambassadors Club Nepal on Dr Mark Allen in recognition of his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

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