Kathmandu, Feb 20: This year, Nepal and the European Union are marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the slogan ‘Growing Stronger Together’.
Nepal and the European Union established political and economic relations in 1974 and signed the Cooperation Agreement on June 1, 1996.
According to a statement issued by the EU, over the last 50 years, both the partners have undergone significant changes. Nepal has been established as a federal democracy, while the then European Economic Community became the European Union in 1993. Likewise, in 2010, the EU created the European External Action Service and formulated a common foreign and security policy.
Meanwhile, both the partners have consolidated their common interests by expanding their democratic and economic spaces. Today, the EU and Nepal have made a shared commitment with respect to the protection and promotion of rules-based international standards, peace and prosperity, human rights and democracy.
“This year we are observing the 50th anniversary of our committed partnership. “Our partnership is growing stronger every year due to our firm commitment to work together for peace and prosperity,” said the EU Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo.
According to her, in terms of Nepal’s graduation from least developed countries by 2026, the European Union and its member states, i.e. “Team Europe”, will continue aids in three important areas of Nepal’s development–inclusive green growth, human resource development, and good governance.
In the coming days, supports will be provided in Nepal’s massive potential, renewal energy, through the European Union Global Gateway, our new comprehensive approach to investing in development, she said.
On this occasion, Ambassador Lorenzo highlighted the various events celebrated throughout the year. Among them, the Nepal European Union Film Festival will commence on March 20. Similarly, “Europe Day” will be celebrated on May 9, while the European Union-Nepal Business Forum and Fair is scheduled for May 15-16. A photo competition is slated to take place August, and Erasmus Road Show will be organised in all seven provinces of Nepal in September.
