Nepal-Oman relations continue to gain strength

Business Tuesday 24/September/2019 22:50 PM
By: Times News Service
Nepal-Oman relations continue to gain strength

Muscat: The Embassy of Nepal organised a reception to mark the country’s national day, which also coincides with the fourth anniversary of the proclamation of the country’s constitution.

The event also featured a cultural programme showcasing Nepal’s heritage, in the presence of Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, Nepal’s ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, and other distinguished guests.

A spokesman for the embassy said, “The programme commenced with the national anthems of the Sultanate of Oman and Nepal followed by the welcome speech of the ambassador. Dhakal informed the distinguished guests about the relevance of this day and presented a brief history of the constitution. She also briefed the august gathering about the salient features of the foreign policy of Nepal, the stable and favourable environment of Nepal and the policies and initiatives of the Nepal government.”

He added, “She highlighted various dimensions of the Nepal-Oman relations and the status of the memoranda of understanding and agreements between the two countries. The ambassador extended her best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for His Majesty’s personal health, happiness and wellbeing as well as continued peace, prosperity and harmony for the people of the Sultanate of Oman. Talking about the natural beauty of Nepal, Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal invited all the guests, their families and friends to visit Nepal.”

After the speech, the guest of honour, Mohammed bin Salim bin Said Al Toobi, the Minister for Environment and Climate Affairs and ambassador Dhakal jointly cut the ceremonial cake. The event was followed by a musical performance from Omani singer Haitham Mohammad Rafi and silver-toned Greek-Omani Singer Thanae Pachiyannaki, who performed a Nepali song. The Nepali community added glamour to the occasion through a musical and dance performance reflecting their country’s music and diversity. The main attraction of today’s cultural event was Sur Sudha, a musical group from Nepal that enlightened guests with their majestic performance and Sadichhya Shrestha, Miss. Nepal 2010 who was the master of ceremonies of the programme.”

“This year’s national day is also focused on promoting Nepal as a tourism destination as it is celebrating ‘Visit Nepal Year 2020’ campaign,” added the embassy spokesman. “At the event were displayed Nepali products, and brochures and a map of Nepal was distributed to the guests, who also got to sample some live Nepali cuisine, such as momos and selroti. A video of Nepal’s main tourist attractions and products were played on the screen inside and outside the hall, throughout the programme.”

More than 300 guests including the guest of honour, Mohammed bin Salim bin Said Al Toobi, the Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, Dr Ahmed bin Sulaiman bin Salih Al Maimani Member of the State Council, Dr Hamad bin Sulaiman bin Salim Al Salmi, Member of the State Council, Mohammed bin Yusuf bin Qassim Al Zarafi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for administrative and finance affairs, and Ali bin Khalfan bin Salim Al Jabri, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information were present on the occasion.

Others in attendance included Sheikh Hilal bin Marhoon bin Salim Al-Mamari, the Chief of the West Asia Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Ali Al-Qatabi, the chief of the Asia Department at MOFA, Nasser bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Busaidi, the chief of the Protocol Department at MOFA, Dr Hanan bint Ibrahim Al Shehiya, chief of the North Americas Department at MOFA, as well as members of the diplomatic corps in Muscat and business persons.