Nepal–Russia Relations at 70: Photo Exhibition and Interaction in Pokhara Highlights Tourism Cooperation
Dragon Media Correspondent
A photo exhibition and formal interaction programme on “The Role of Russia in the Tourism of Nepal” was held in Pokhara on Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia.
The programme, organised at the Gandaki Province Office of the Nepal Tourism Board, brought together representatives of the Russian diplomatic mission, the Gandaki Province Assembly, the Nepal Tourism Board, tourism professionals, academics and Nepal–Russia friendship organisations.
The event reflected on seven decades of Nepal–Russia relations while exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in tourism, culture, education, research and people-to-people contacts.
Diplomatic relations between Nepal and the then Soviet Union were established in 1956 during the reign of King Mahendra and the premiership of Tank Prasad Acharya. Bilateral cooperation subsequently expanded into education, technical assistance, health, industry and development infrastructure. King Mahendra paid a state visit to the Soviet Union in 1958, while King Birendra undertook a state visit in 1976.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Anant Kumar Shrestha, Executive Member of the Nepal–Russia People’s Friendship Society, congratulated both countries on the 70th anniversary and said the occasion should be used not only to remember past achievements but also to expand tourism and direct contacts between the peoples of the two countries.
Engineer Laxmi Prasad Tripathi, Vice President of Mitra Kunj, highlighted the historical development of Nepal–Russia diplomatic relations and the enduring foundations of friendship between the two countries.
Subash Malla, a lecturer and PhD scholar in tourism, presented research on Russia’s contribution to and influence on Nepal’s tourism development. He focused particularly on opportunities to attract more Russian visitors to Pokhara and to strengthen tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Assistant Professor and PhD scholar Ujjwal Adhikari discussed the potential for expanding institutional cooperation between Nepal and Russia in education, research and knowledge exchange.
Taranath Pahari, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, underlined the importance of Russian visitors to Nepal and called for stronger destination promotion, tourism marketing and direct institutional cooperation to position Pokhara more effectively in the Russian travel market.
Mani Raj Lamichhane, a senior official at the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province Office, stressed the need for coordinated initiatives to promote Nepal in international markets and said institutional engagement with the Russian tourism sector could be further expanded.
Anastasia Khokhlova, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nepal and Head of the Russian House in Kathmandu, addressed the programme as Special Guest. She highlighted the longstanding friendship between Nepal and Russia and emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation in tourism, culture, education and direct people-to-people relations.
Bina Kumari Thapa, Deputy Speaker of the Gandaki Province Assembly, delivered the Chief Guest’s remarks and said the long history of Nepal–Russia friendship could now be translated into more practical areas of cooperation. She also pointed to the potential for Gandaki Province and Pokhara to develop direct partnerships with Russian institutions and cities in tourism and cultural exchange.
Kusum Keshab Parajuli, Founder President of the Nepal–Russia People’s Friendship Society, reflected on the Society’s contribution to bilateral friendship from the Soviet era to the present day. He highlighted its continued cooperation with the Russian Embassy and the Russian House in promoting cultural exchange, friendship and people-to-people relations.
In his closing remarks, Keshab Raj Lamsal, President of the Nepal–Russia People’s Friendship Society, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in tourism, culture, education and community-level engagement.
The event also featured the presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to promoting Nepal–Russia friendship and cooperation.
The programme served both as a commemoration of 70 years of diplomatic relations and as a platform for discussing future engagement between Russia and Pokhara in tourism promotion, cultural exchange, education, institutional partnerships and people-to-people connectivity.
Participants noted that Nepal’s Himalayan geography, mountaineering heritage and natural tourism potential, combined with Russia’s large tourism market and strong mountain culture, could provide a foundation for deeper institutional cooperation and help position Pokhara as a more familiar and attractive destination for Russian travellers.
