Published: 16:30, September 21, 2024 | Updated: 10:35, September 22, 2024
Nepal’s ties with China, HKSAR flourish
By Xu Weiwei in Hong Kong
Fang Jianming (right), deputy commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR; Warner Cheuk Wing-hing (left), deputy chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR government; and Consul General of Nepal in Hong Kong Udaya Bahadur Ranamagar pose for a group photo during an event hosted by the Consulate General of Nepal for the Hong Kong and Macao SARs to celebrate Nepal’s National Day, in Hong Kong on Sept 20, 2024. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Relations between Nepal and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have continued to grow in the past year, with both sides working closely on a number of issues, says Nepal’s consul general in the HKSAR, Udaya Bahadur Ranamagar.

The diplomat spoke at a reception hosted by the Consulate General of Nepal for the Hong Kong and Macao SARs to celebrate his country’s National Day on Sept 20.

Ranamagar also used the occasion to congratulate the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, China teams’ outstanding performances at the recent Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris. “The success of these athletes is a testament to their dedication and professionalism, as well as the strong support provided by the government,” he said.

The reception was attended by Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, Warner Cheuk Wing-hing, as guest of honor, with Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Fang Jianming, as special guest.

Cheuk praised the Nepali community’s long-standing contributions to Hong Kong, saying the SAR will continue to forge strong ties with Nepal through cultural exchanges, trade and investment.

Ranamagar paid homage to Nepal’s martyrs who lost their lives for the nation, stressing the importance of the constitution in his country’s socio-economic transformation.

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He said the close relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China are evident in the multiple bilateral high-level visits both countries have exchanged in the past year. “These exchanges have significantly strengthened our bilateral relations, and we look forward to more opportunities for collaboration shortly, including visits to Hong Kong,” he said.

A lakhey dancer performs during an event hosted by the Consulate General of Nepal for the Hong Kong and Macao SARs to celebrate Nepal’s National Day, in Hong Kong on Sept 20, 2024. Lakhey is considered to be a mythological demon and the dance is normally performed at Indrajatra, or the Carnival of God, by the indigenous Newa community of Nepal. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The diplomat noted that China and Nepal commemorated the 69th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Aug 1. “The ancient, deep-rooted ties between our nations have grown stronger under the strong foundations of the five principles of peaceful coexistence.”

Nepal warmly welcomes Hong Kong investments in all sectors as economic transformation remains its priority, and Nepal is truly a favored destination for such opportunities, he said.

The consul general presented tokens of appreciation to outstanding members of the Nepali community who have supported and engaged with the Nepali community and the consulate in Hong Kong.

Newa Samaj Hong Kong organized a lakhey dance performance at the reception, much to the delight of the guests, who were also able to sample Nepali cuisine and learn about Nepali handicrafts and other items.

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The event was also attended by senior officials of the HKSAR government and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, as well as members of the consular corps in Hong Kong, non-government and business organizations, community leaders and entrepreneurs from among the Nepali community in Hong Kong and Macao.

vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com