In a speech in Jerusalem before the Israel Council on Foreign Relations (ICFR), which operates under the auspices of the World Jewish Congress, Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa reminded his audience that Nepal and Israel have a long, uninterrupted history of cordial relations dating back to 1960.
"The fact that Nepal was the first South Asian nation to recognize Israel indicates our commitment to [the pursuit of] independence in our foreign relations," Thapa told the guests.
Recalling the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal last year in which some 9,000 people perished, he expressed his country’s deep gratitude for the disaster relief provided by Israel. "At that crucial hour, Israel was first to send relief and rescue teams. After India, Israel sent the largest such operation. This fact will remain fresh in our memories for many years to come."
Minister Thapa expressed interest in deepening ties with Israel, especially in the realms of tourism and agriculture, noting that direct flights between Tel Aviv and Kathmandu would greatly enhance the flow of tourists.
"Besides economic value, Israeli tourism has brought our two people closer together. I would appeal to the people of Israel to say that it is now safe; you can enjoy the mountains, the beauty, and the love the Nepalese people have for the Israeli people.”
He went on to say: "I found tremendous goodwill and support for the government and people of Nepal from the people of Israel, and I can say that the government and people of Nepal return the feeling. Yesterday, I visited Yad Vashem. I could feel the pain of atrocities inflicted against the Jews in many parts of the world."
The minister, an avid sportsman who in his youth played on his country’s national football team, told the audience that his first stop in Israel was Jerusalem’s Teddy stadium to watch Israel’s national finals in which Maccabi Haifa defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The breakfast meeting was chaired by veteran Israeli diplomat Moshe Yegar, who is an authority on South and East Asia.
The Jerusalem-based Israel Council on Foreign Relations is devoted to the study and debate of foreign policy, with special emphasis on Israeli and Jewish concerns. The ICFR functions under the auspices of the World Jewish Congress.
