Nepal–Russia 70th Anniversary Event Highlights Cooperation in Science, Education and Technology
Dragon Media News Desk
A programme marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Russian Federation was held at the Russian House in Kathmandu under the theme “Commemorating Nepal–Russia Friendship.”
Jointly organised by the Nepal Russia Science and Technology Society and the Russian House on Friday, the event explored opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in science, technology, higher education, innovation and the economy.
Opening the programme, Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu, said Nepal–Russia relations had developed beyond diplomatic engagement into a strong partnership in science, education and innovation.
She noted that generations of Nepali students had received opportunities to pursue higher education in Russia through scholarship programmes offered by the Russian Federation. She said the programmes had contributed to developing skilled human resources in Nepal, transferring technical knowledge and expanding scientific cooperation between the two countries.
Khokhlova also praised the Nepal Russia Science and Technology Society for its long-standing contribution to promoting academic and scientific exchanges.
Professor Dr Ramesh Kumar Maskey of Kathmandu University delivered the keynote address. Reviewing the history of Nepal–Russia cooperation, he said there were new opportunities to expand collaboration in science, technology, engineering education and higher education.
The main attraction of the programme was a panel discussion titled “Building Bilateral Bridges: Technology, Education and Economic Synergy.” The discussion was chaired by former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Ganesh Shah and moderated by Sanskrita Khanal.
Professor Dr Anjana Singh of Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Microbiology and an Academician at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology discussed opportunities for scientific research and university-level collaboration.
Dr Maskey highlighted the need to expand engineering education, joint academic programmes and research partnerships. Nabin Narayan Munankarmi, President of the Biotechnology Society of Nepal, discussed possible cooperation between Nepal and Russia in biotechnology, research and innovation.
Engineer Bikash Gurung, President of the Robotics Association of Nepal, said cooperation could also be expanded in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Following the panel discussion, participants interacted on science and technology, academic exchanges, scholarships, joint research and economic cooperation.
Professor Dr Jiba Raj Pokharel delivered special remarks, saying scientific diplomacy and knowledge-based cooperation could make Nepal–Russia relations more practical and result-oriented.
Delivering the closing remarks, former minister Shah said Nepal and Russia shared a commitment to further strengthen relations through cooperation in science, technology, education and people-to-people exchanges in the years ahead.
The programme concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation to participants and speakers, followed by a group photo session, the organisers said.
