Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Ambassador of Nepal to China, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech
date：2023-12-25 14:10:02 hits：
The 5th Belt and Road Women’s Forum successfully convened in Sanya, Hainan from December 6-8. Co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in China, and jointly organized by the People’s Government of Sanya City, the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, and the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Women’s Forum. Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Ambassador of Nepal to China, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.
Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Ambassador of Nepal to China, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech
Esteemed Guests,
At the outset, let me thank the organizers. I feel delighted to interact within this august gathering today and express my views. The theme of "Deepening Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning" holds great significance in the longstanding and profound relationship between Nepal and China. There could never have been a better timing for organizing this program especially when the world has opened up after the tragedy of the COVID.
Nepal and China share deep civilizational linkages since ancient times. The establishment of formal diplomatic relations on 1 August 1955 marked the beginning of a new era in the enduring friendship between our two nations. The geographic proximity and cultural affinity have fostered a history of people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning since times immemorial.
Our friendship is rooted in historical narratives. Nepali artist Arniko has contributed to China's cultural landscape by designing and building artistic structures like the White Pagoda which stands in the heart of Beijing. The entourage of royal attendants of Princess Bhrikuti in the seventh century CE brought not only Nepali craftsmanship to Tibet but Buddhism as well.
The visits of Chinese monks Faxian and Xuanzang to Kapilavastu and Lumbini are believed to have been significant in creating cultural linkages between two civilizations.
Friends,
Nepal is home to three of the world's most iconic destinations: Mt. Everest, the highest peak on earth; living goddess Kumari; and Lumbini, the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha. But there is more to Nepal's special significance as a top global destination - it is also one of the most diverse countries in the world, in culture, language and ethnicity, and natural features. Nepal is a perfect blend of Nature, Culture and Adventure.
The Government of Nepal has emphasized revitalizing the tourism industry as a key driver of economic growth and building a foundation for a vibrant economy. The ambitious targets include increasing tourist spending from $48 to $125, creating one million direct jobs in the sector, and elevating its contribution to the national GDP to 10 percent.
The Government of Nepal plans to organize thematic campaigns, promoting cultural heritage, Buddhist tourism, and regional tourism, underlining the importance of cultural diplomacy in global engagement.
I would like to invite more and more Chinese tourists to visit Nepal and learn the culture.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative, along with the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, has expanded cultural exchanges and mutual learning. Nepal expects that the Belt and Road Initiative will help build the critical infrastructure in the Himalayan region and remove the barriers for a seamless movement of people, goods and services across the border. This will support livelihoods and promote traditional culture at the same time.
I am of the view that, collaboration in various fields, including science, technology, education, media, sports, health, tourism, industry, commerce, and think tanks, labor, women, youth, local governments exchanges will thrive like never before.
Dear Guests,
Cultural affinity and shared cultural practices have been an unshakable foundation of the relations between our countries.
The establishment of sister city relations between various municipalities of China and Nepal has deepened the bonds between our peoples.
Cultural diplomacy, as exemplified during high-level visits, has played a crucial role in fostering intercultural understanding, supporting cultural heritage preservation, and promoting cultural exchanges.
Cultural exchanges being one of the elaborately discussed topics during high-level visits reflect the paramount importance we accord to furthering our mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
Dear Guests,
During the recent visit of the Right Hon’ble Prime Minister to China in September 2023, China and Nepal pledged to intensify exchanges and cooperation in education, science, technology, telecommunications, and culture. Both sides agreed to designate the year 2025 as "Nepal Visit Year" in China, with the aim of boosting tourism and fostering cultural exchange.
In this regard, I thank the Government of China for enlisting Nepal as one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists to travel to Nepal.
Friends
Nepal is actively promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning through initiatives such as the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University. These institutes serve as hubs for language education and cultural programs, fostering understanding and cooperation between nations.
I would also like to thank the Government of China for its efforts in restoring the earthquake-affected cultural heritages of Nepal like Basantapur Durbar which is the heart of the city. This has created a milestone in collaboration of preserving cultural heritages.
Additionally, Nepal supports UNESCO's efforts to establish International Cultural Routes, recognizing the importance of preserving and showcasing diverse artistic traditions that transcend national borders and sends messages of peace and unity.
Esteemed Friends,
Cultural exchanges and mutual learning will continue to be the cornerstone of Nepal-China relations. Through shared experiences in traditional crafts, educational initiatives, and the promotion of cultural heritage, we look forward to deepening our friendship and contributing to global peace and understanding.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to deepening cultural exchanges and promoting mutual learning, recognizing that people are the best bridges for fostering mutual learning among civilizations. I thank you all. Xie Xie.
The theme of the forum, ‘She Power: Jointly Building and Sharing a Beautiful Life,’ reflects a focus on women’s unique contributions and empowerment within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the All-China Youth Federation, along with the People’s Government of Sanya City leadership, the forum brought together over 400 participants. These included the First Lady of Guyana, representatives from the United Nations, Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine, and ambassadors from Kyrgyzstan, Zambia, Maldives, Switzerland, Nepal, Guyana, Uganda, Mozambique, and various other countries, along with national and international business representatives.
During the forum, in-depth discussions and exchanges took place around the theme. Guests shared insights on the distinctive role played by women in the ten years since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched. They highlighted the substantial achievements of women and looked forward to the future of the initiative, advocating for women’s empowerment to foster common development and prosperity in human society.
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road Women’s Forum has been instrumental in showcasing the unique role of women in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting comprehensive and sustainable development for women, and enhancing people-to-people connections among the participating countries. The forum has successfully established a platform for communication and collaboration among women across the Belt and Road countries, building bridges for mutual understanding and cooperation.
Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Ambassador of Nepal to China, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech
Esteemed Guests,
At the outset, let me thank the organizers. I feel delighted to interact within this august gathering today and express my views. The theme of "Deepening Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning" holds great significance in the longstanding and profound relationship between Nepal and China. There could never have been a better timing for organizing this program especially when the world has opened up after the tragedy of the COVID.
Nepal and China share deep civilizational linkages since ancient times. The establishment of formal diplomatic relations on 1 August 1955 marked the beginning of a new era in the enduring friendship between our two nations. The geographic proximity and cultural affinity have fostered a history of people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning since times immemorial.
Our friendship is rooted in historical narratives. Nepali artist Arniko has contributed to China's cultural landscape by designing and building artistic structures like the White Pagoda which stands in the heart of Beijing. The entourage of royal attendants of Princess Bhrikuti in the seventh century CE brought not only Nepali craftsmanship to Tibet but Buddhism as well.
The visits of Chinese monks Faxian and Xuanzang to Kapilavastu and Lumbini are believed to have been significant in creating cultural linkages between two civilizations.
Friends,
Nepal is home to three of the world's most iconic destinations: Mt. Everest, the highest peak on earth; living goddess Kumari; and Lumbini, the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha. But there is more to Nepal's special significance as a top global destination - it is also one of the most diverse countries in the world, in culture, language and ethnicity, and natural features. Nepal is a perfect blend of Nature, Culture and Adventure.
The Government of Nepal has emphasized revitalizing the tourism industry as a key driver of economic growth and building a foundation for a vibrant economy. The ambitious targets include increasing tourist spending from $48 to $125, creating one million direct jobs in the sector, and elevating its contribution to the national GDP to 10 percent.
The Government of Nepal plans to organize thematic campaigns, promoting cultural heritage, Buddhist tourism, and regional tourism, underlining the importance of cultural diplomacy in global engagement.
I would like to invite more and more Chinese tourists to visit Nepal and learn the culture.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative, along with the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, has expanded cultural exchanges and mutual learning. Nepal expects that the Belt and Road Initiative will help build the critical infrastructure in the Himalayan region and remove the barriers for a seamless movement of people, goods and services across the border. This will support livelihoods and promote traditional culture at the same time.
I am of the view that, collaboration in various fields, including science, technology, education, media, sports, health, tourism, industry, commerce, and think tanks, labor, women, youth, local governments exchanges will thrive like never before.
Dear Guests,
Cultural affinity and shared cultural practices have been an unshakable foundation of the relations between our countries.
The establishment of sister city relations between various municipalities of China and Nepal has deepened the bonds between our peoples.
Cultural diplomacy, as exemplified during high-level visits, has played a crucial role in fostering intercultural understanding, supporting cultural heritage preservation, and promoting cultural exchanges.
Cultural exchanges being one of the elaborately discussed topics during high-level visits reflect the paramount importance we accord to furthering our mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
Dear Guests,
During the recent visit of the Right Hon’ble Prime Minister to China in September 2023, China and Nepal pledged to intensify exchanges and cooperation in education, science, technology, telecommunications, and culture. Both sides agreed to designate the year 2025 as "Nepal Visit Year" in China, with the aim of boosting tourism and fostering cultural exchange.
In this regard, I thank the Government of China for enlisting Nepal as one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists to travel to Nepal.
Friends
Nepal is actively promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning through initiatives such as the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University. These institutes serve as hubs for language education and cultural programs, fostering understanding and cooperation between nations.
I would also like to thank the Government of China for its efforts in restoring the earthquake-affected cultural heritages of Nepal like Basantapur Durbar which is the heart of the city. This has created a milestone in collaboration of preserving cultural heritages.
Additionally, Nepal supports UNESCO's efforts to establish International Cultural Routes, recognizing the importance of preserving and showcasing diverse artistic traditions that transcend national borders and sends messages of peace and unity.
Esteemed Friends,
Cultural exchanges and mutual learning will continue to be the cornerstone of Nepal-China relations. Through shared experiences in traditional crafts, educational initiatives, and the promotion of cultural heritage, we look forward to deepening our friendship and contributing to global peace and understanding.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to deepening cultural exchanges and promoting mutual learning, recognizing that people are the best bridges for fostering mutual learning among civilizations. I thank you all. Xie Xie.
The theme of the forum, ‘She Power: Jointly Building and Sharing a Beautiful Life,’ reflects a focus on women’s unique contributions and empowerment within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the All-China Youth Federation, along with the People’s Government of Sanya City leadership, the forum brought together over 400 participants. These included the First Lady of Guyana, representatives from the United Nations, Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine, and ambassadors from Kyrgyzstan, Zambia, Maldives, Switzerland, Nepal, Guyana, Uganda, Mozambique, and various other countries, along with national and international business representatives.
During the forum, in-depth discussions and exchanges took place around the theme. Guests shared insights on the distinctive role played by women in the ten years since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched. They highlighted the substantial achievements of women and looked forward to the future of the initiative, advocating for women’s empowerment to foster common development and prosperity in human society.
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road Women’s Forum has been instrumental in showcasing the unique role of women in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting comprehensive and sustainable development for women, and enhancing people-to-people connections among the participating countries. The forum has successfully established a platform for communication and collaboration among women across the Belt and Road countries, building bridges for mutual understanding and cooperation.