When we signed the UK-Nepal Treaty of Friendship 100 years ago, our two countries might have seemed a world away from each other. Today, tens of thousands of British people visit Nepal to experience its beauty and meet its people - strengthening the ties between our countries. I am proud to be one of them.
Over the last century we have seen the UK-Nepal partnership flourish in the pursuit of our shared objectives: from tackling climate change to supporting economic growth and development. We are proud of what we have achieved together.
The Gurkhas have been great ambassadors for our relationship. The British people recognise the outstanding contribution they have, and continue to make, to the British Army.
As we mark one hundred years of our Friendship Treaty, we look ahead together to the next great hundred years.
Nepal’s move to be a middle-income country, reflects its strong economic growth. Further strengthening our trade and investment partnership is a top priority.
To realise UK and Nepal’s shared ambitions, we must work together on climate change. Nepal is extremely vulnerable to climate change; and protecting its iconic Himalayan mountains is vital to the world.
Climate partnerships like ours provide hope. The UK and Nepal are charting a path towards a green and resilient future. The UK’s innovative new Development Portfolio, launched by Minister Mitchell during his visit in February, will support Nepal to access climate finance, tackle climate change and deliver sustainable economic transition.
Our Treaty of Friendship says Nepal and Britain will forever maintain peace and friendship. We remain as committed to those principles today as we were 100 years ago.
I look forward to our friendship moving into the future filled with opportunity and potential.
