No 10 Downing Street organised a reception on Monday 20 May, to mark the centenary celebration of the UK-Nepal Treaty of Friendship of 1923 that was signed on 21 December 1923. The treaty of peace and friendship was significant as the first formal recognition of the sovereignty and independence of Nepal by the UK.
Though in 1950, after Britain withdrew from South Asia in 1947, it was replaced by two separate treaties of peace and friendship, one with independent India and the other with the UK, this treaty also indirectly admitted Nepal to the League of Nations and helped it obtain membership of the United Nations in 1955. Nepal was the first South Asian country to establish an embassy in London.
This reception was the first of its kind hosted for the UK’s Nepalese community at No 10. The room buzzed with excitement as around 150 plus attendees from the community joined, rejoicing the occasion and meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Indo-Pacific. The Nepalese Ambassador His Excellency Gyan Chandra Acharya with wife Sunita were in attendance along with famous actress Manisha Koirala, Olympic swimmer Gaurika Singh, and double-amputee and record breaking mountaineer Hari Budha Magar. Also in attendance were community leader and advocate of UK-Nepal relationship Prashant Kunwar, ex-British Army officer Tol Khamcha as well as Cllr Lachhya Gurung, Rabindra Jung Lamichhane FRSA, Bikram Bhattarai, Laxmi Rai Thap, Jagan Karki, Monty’s founder Mahanta Shrestha OBE among others.
Prime Minister Sunak who was due to travel abroad, interacted with the community, looked at the original Britain-Nepal treaty and was absolutely delighted to receive a Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) ICC T-20 World Cup jersey as a gift.
Speaking at the reception, PM Sunak said, "…With more than two hundred years of diplomatic relations, the Treaty confirmed the UK’s proud status as Nepal’s oldest friend. There have been many events to mark the centenary over recent months...I’m delighted that we are hosting the culmination of these celebrations here this evening.
There is so much that brings us together. From His Majesty King Charles trekking in foothills the Himalayas as a young Prince to our academic alliances, to the huge contribution that the Nepali diaspora makes here in the UK, even getting to the finals of Masterchef! Like so many, I’ve been inspired by the achievements of Nims Purja and the incredible Hari Budha Magar, the first double amputee to summit Everest.”
He further added, “Our governments are working together more closely than ever. We’re partners in fighting climate change and supporting development. This year we’ve announced £400 million to help Nepal capitalise on its strengths. And we’re growing our business links as well.”
Speaking about the role of UK at the Nepal Investment Summit and paying tribute to the Gurkhas, the Prime Minister said, "I was proud the UK played a leading role at the Nepal Investment Summit last month, strengthening the bridge we’ve built between Nepal and global capital markets. And of course I want to pay tribute to surely the greatest symbol of our friendship, proof that this bond is truly unique and that is the Gurkhas. I had the pleasure of addressing a Gurkha passing out parade at Catterick in my constituency, back in 2021 and paying tribute to their courage, loyalty, and sacrifice, a reputation earned from the beaches of Gallipoli, to the mountains of Afghanistan. Their service is a reminder of the deep ties between our two nations and a promise that those ties will continue to endure."
He concluded by saying, "We have come a long way together since 1923. So let’s keep building all aspects of this remarkable friendship. And here’s to another one hundred years!”Ambassador Acharya shared his thoughts paying tribute to the UK-Nepal relationship. Minister Trevelyan during her speech highlighted UK’s commitment to help Nepal in a wide range of issues including climate change.
The food at the reception was catered by Everest Inn Blackheath and was served in traditional Nepalese tapari (eco-friendly plates and bowls). Dishes included Nepalese delicacies such as Sinki Bahamas Sadhako, Aloo Tama Sewai, Nepali momos, Palpali Aloo Chukuni and Nepali Sharbat. Speaking to Asian Voice attendee Prashant Kunwar said, "The event was fantastic, with Nepalese food, almost 150 plus guests were invited from different walks of life. Great to see PM recognising the sacrifice and bravery of the Gurkhas, and the Nepalese community in the UK who are making excellent contributions towards UK's economy.”Tol Khamcha told the newsweekly, “I had a rare privilege of attending this historic event. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed everyone to his official residence and highlighted the role of Gurkha soldiers in UK-Nepal bilateral relationship among other tributes. The PM had to leave early to catch a flight, so he handed over the stage to Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific. She spoke on plethora of issues and highlighted UK’s commitment to help Nepal in wide range of areas- one of the emerging important issues being the climate change. Nepal has already been subject to its adverse impacts and was an important ally at COP26. They should be applauded for their ambitions of achieving net-zero by 2045.”
