Russian Day In Kathmandu
By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, June 10: A special function was organised to mark Russia Day in Kathmandu the other day. People from different walks of life, including diplomats, government officials, media persons, and cultural representatives, attended the celebration organised by the Russian embassy here.
Vice President of Nepal Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav highlighted the deep-rooted and traditionally friendly relations between Nepal and Russia. He also expressed sincere appreciation for Russia’s continued support in Nepal’s development journey.
Russian Ambassador to Nepal Aleksei Novikov spoke about the broad spectrum of cooperation between the two nations, spanning energy, education, culture, tourism, and humanitarian endeavors. The Ambassador also reflected on Russia’s constructive engagement in global affairs, referencing recent key positions articulated by President Vladimir Putin.
Nekrasov Academic Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments presented their renditions of traditional Russian melodies, including “Kalinka,” “Katyusha,” and “Dorogoi Dlinnoyu.” A particularly memorable moment was the joint performance of “Moscow Nights” alongside the Kathmandu Youth Orchestra, which drew thunderous applause.
Guests were also treated to a curated selection of authentic Russian cuisine, lovingly prepared by the spouses of Embassy staff. The array of traditional dishes showcased Russia’s rich culinary heritage and was warmly received by attendees.
“Held in a spirit of festivity and camaraderie event underscored the enduring partnership between Russia and Nepal, reaffirming the cultural and diplomatic ties that continue to unite the two nations,” said a press statement issued by the embassy.
Here below is the speech of Russian ambassador Aleksei Novikov:
I am glad to welcome all of you at the reception on the occasion of the National Day of Russia!
This day honors the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation on June 12, 1990. It marks a new chapter in our country’s glorious and complex history— full of renewal, self-determination and forward-looking development.
Russia is a land of huge diversity—geographical, cultural, ethnical and spiritual. Spread from the vast Siberian plains to the historic streets of Saint Petersburg, vibrant life of Moscow and sandy coasts of Crimea, our heritage spans centuries of scientific innovations, cultural brilliance and human courage. This diversity helps Russia to ensure that hundreds of ethnic and religious groups live in unity and solidarity as well as to maintain cordial relations with other peace-loving nations.
Today, as we gather with friends and partners from around the world, we also reflect on the values we share with the countries of the Global South and East: respect for equal rights, traditions and constructive international cooperation.
At a time when the world faces many challenges—from climate change to economic shakes —Russia continues to believe in the importance of multilateral system and peaceful interaction. And we are glad to see that most of the countries, including Nepal with its long tradition of peace diplomacy and dialogue, share this outlook.
Currently, as you all are aware, a special military operation is underway for demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine. I want to stress that Russia has consistently – both in the years preceding the special military operation and after it started – proposed and continues to do so, that the Ukrainian side settle all issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
Talks are better than war. But we remain deeply convinced that for success the fundamental causes of this conflict must be removed, as President of Russia Vladimir Putin has said.
One such reason is that tens of millions of Russian-speaking people in Ukraine were deprived by Kiev of their right to their mother tongue, traditions, culture, faith, history and finally the memory of their parents and grand parents who inhabited these lands for centuries, founded cities and industries, built ports and developed these territories. The Kiev regime got to the point where it destroys the monuments to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War who liberated Ukraine and then Europe from the Nazi plague. Shamefully some other European countries are following the suit.
There is another equally critical root cause of the operation.
This concerns the constant efforts to drag Ukraine into NATO. The conflict in Ukraine is the result by NATO’s aggressive expansion towards east over decades that directly contradicts the pledges by American and European leaders to both Soviet and Russian leadership regarding the NATO’s non-expansion.
When we challenged our Western counterparts about their violation of the commitments made by their presidents and prime ministers, their response was, it had been only a political declaration. This demonstrates the hypocrisy and dishonesty that we have to confront.
Naturally, we were compelled to respond. We have made repeated efforts to negotiate an agreement on equal security, in order to fix this principle formally. However, the West refused. Our most recent attempt was made in December 2021. This left us with no alternative but to defend the legitimate security interests of the Russian Federation and the Russian-speaking population whom we had no right to leave in the hands of the Kiev regime.
The sponsors of this regime attempted to isolate Russia, which brought insecurity to global food, energy and fertilizers market. Today we clearly see how dangerous and useless these efforts were.
In this regard, I would like to praise the warm and enduring relations between Russia and Nepal, built on mutual respect, traditional friendship and non-interference. Our diplomatic ties date back to 1956, and for nearly seven decades, our nations have enjoyed a partnership based on goodwill and people-to-people contacts.
More than 7 thousand Nepali students have studied in Russian universities—many of them becoming leading figures in medicine, engineering, education and diplomacy. We are proud of this educational cooperation and we are committed to strengthening it further in the years to come. Today, we also see growing collaboration in energy, science, culture and tourism—areas where both Russia and Nepal have much to offer the world.
We deeply admire Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, its spiritual depth and the greatness of its people. As you continue on your journey of social and economic development, Russia remains a friend and a willing partner.
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