National Day and Constitution Day celebrated in Cairo, Canberra

Reports of the celebration of the National Day and Constitution Day on 20 September by Nepal's diplomatic missions abroad have been received.

The Embassy of Nepal in Cairo celebrated the occasion by organising a Ceremony and Reception in Cairo. Vice-Minister for Tourism of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Ghada Shalaby attended the function as Chief Guest.

 In his welcome remarks on the occasion, Ambassador of Nepal to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sushil K Lamsal shed light on the historic significance of the day of promulgation of the constitution in Nepal and said that the day had heralded a new era of peace, stability and progress in the country. He expressed happiness over the excellent state of Nepal-Egypt relations, and hoped that the ties between the two countries would continue to strengthen in the days ahead.

 Vice-Minister Shalaby expressed satisfaction over the progress in bilateral relations in recent years and expressed the confidence that the two countries would continue to work together in enhancing cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors like trade, tourism and education. At the function, Egyptian summiteers of Mt Everest, Manal Rostom and Sharief al-Abd spoke about their experiences of climbing the world's highest peak, as well as the natural and cultural attractions and diversity of Nepal.

 More than one hundred and twenty participants including former Prime Minister of Egypt, Essam Sharaf, government officials, ambassadors and diplomats, artists, students, media persons and members of various walks of life in Egypt attended the reception.

 In the morning today, the ambassador hoisted the national flag at the chancery to mark the National Day and Constitution Day of Nepal. The national anthem of Nepal was played during the flag-hoisting ceremony. The diplomatic officials of the Embassy of Nepal and their family members were present at the function.

 On September 17, the Chamberlain of the Egyptian Presidency Abdel Aziz Al Sherif called on the ambassador at the Embassy, and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to President of Nepal Ramchandra Paudel on the occasion of the National Day of Nepal.

National Day marked in Canberra, Australia

Similarly, on the auspicious occasion of the National Day (Constitution Day) of Nepal, the Embassy of Nepal Canberra hosted a reception on Wednesday in Canberra, Australia.

Members of Parliament of Australia, Deputy Secretary and higher-ranking officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) of Australia, significant number of Ambassadors/High Commissioners and members of the diplomatic corps, Representatives from different Australian Government organisations, Mountaineers, Nepali Honorary Consul Generals and Nepali community leaders were present at the ceremony. Ambassador Kailash Raj welcomed the distinguished guests and delivered a special remark on the occasion. While elaborating constitutional development of Nepal since 1951, Ambassador highlighted the salient characteristics of the Constitution of Nepal promulgated by a popularly elected constituent assembly in 2015.

He underscored that the federal system, institutionalised by the current constitution, has helped to consolidate the democratic process to the grassroots level, devolve power to mobilise resources closer to the people and empower the people to take decisions that impact them the most. The Ambassador stated that the Government of Nepal has accorded high priority to economic development and has taken measures to create a conducive investment environment.

While describing the attractive all-year-round snow-capped high Himalayas and beautiful landscape of Nepal, he expressed concerns over the alarming climate change and stressed on the need for collective action for creating a sustainable future.

 In his remarks, he also stated that Nepal and Australia have been enjoying friendly and cooperative relations since more than six decades fostered by exchange of high-level visits, regular high-level meetings, and strong people-to-people bonds.

 Cultural musical shows of Nepali traditional instruments and the video of tourism promotional materials were also displayed during the event. ---