His Excellency Mr. Yasser Murad, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt
Excellences
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is indeed my privilege to welcome you all this evening to celebrate our national day today. I sincerely extend my gratitude for your participation. Today we are celebrating the Constitution Day as National Day of Nepal. On this happy occasion, I wish to extend best wishes and warm greetings to the Nepali community living in Egypt and Egyptian friends of Nepal.
The new constitution of Nepal was promulgated this very day two years ago on 20 September 2015 by the Constituent Assembly and it was endorsed by the overwhelming majority of the people’s elected representatives. With the promulgation of the new constitution, the country’s political landscape has been transformed to the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The new constitution guarantees equality, freedom, dignity and human rights of citizens. Nepal is an independent country throughout of its history and it is a country of multi-ethnic, multilingual, multi-cultural and diverse geographical characteristics.
As envisaged by the constitution, peace, progress, prosperity and development of the country by implementing it are the end means. Now local level elections have been successfully conducted in three phases and third phase of elections were held just two days ago and the vote counting is still in progress. The Federal elections and Provincial Elections are also slated to be held in two phases on 26 November and 7 December of this year.
With the end of political transition, the country is now geared to focus its efforts in implementing the constitution and move forward towards economic development and prosperity.
The Rt. Hon’ble President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari in a message to the nation on this occasion has said that for the first time in the history, an elected constituent assembly has adopted the constitution of Nepal two years ago. The promulgation of the historical constitution has ended the prolonged political conflict and the transition in the country by conferring sovereign rights on the people and entrusting them with the responsibility of deciding the destiny and future of the country. Likewise, the Rt. Hon’ble Sher Bahadur Deuba, Prime Minister of Nepal also wished that the day would inspire all of us to move ahead to the path of national unity and prosperity being conscious of the rights and responsibilities. He further stressed the need to gradually enable the democratic institutions envisioned by the constitution for its successful implementation. The country will usher into a new era of political stability and economic development, he said.
I would like to express sincere gratitude to His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt for his congratulatory message extended to our President Rt. Hon’ble Bidya Devi Bhandari as well as the Government and the people of Nepal on this occasion.
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Nepal and the Arab Republic of Egypt enjoy cordial and excellent bilateral relations ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 16 July 1957. Nepal highly values its relations with the Arab Republic of Egypt. Both the countries are very rich in ancient culture and civilizations. This year is the special year for Nepal and Egypt as we are celebrating 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Egypt. The diamond jubilee celebrations are being held with varieties of programmes.
Nepal and Egypt have also been enjoying mutual cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields and keep similar views on many regional and international issues of common concerns.
The development initiatives, economic reforms, social welfare schemes for the welfare of the public, among others, undertaken by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt under the dynamic leadership of President H. E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi are remarkable.
There are tremendous opportunities and potentials for further promote and develop between Nepal and the Arab Republic of Egypt in the areas of tourism, culture, investment, trade and so on. Since both of our countries treasure unique cultures and heritages, we may encourage tourism entrepreneurs to work together for our mutual benefit.
Nepal is also a unique country. Nepal has diverse natural and cultural attractions due to unique landscape and altitudinal variations. Nepal’s altitude varies from 60-meter to the Mount Everest 8848 meters from the sea level within the distance of about 250 kilometers. Eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks are in Nepal. The exotic flora and fauna, beautiful rivers and lakes, various world heritage sites, diverse landscape, multiethnic culture, mountaineering and world famous trekking routes have been some of major attractions for millions of tourists from around the world.
Finally, I wish to reiterate on this happy occasion that the everlasting friendship will further grow between Nepal and Egypt and always wish for the peace, prosperity and happiness of the peoples of the two countries!
Thank you.