‘Visit Nepal. Nepal is Open for business’ – Prince Harry

British Prince Henry Charles Albert David ‘Harry’, who is currently on a 5 day trip to Nepal, has urged people around the globe to come and visit Nepal as Nepal is open for business. “So please come and visit again,” he added. He expressed his opinions during a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa in his honour Saturday evening on the occasion of the bicentenary of Nepal-UK relations.

“I am honoured and excited to be here. When asked last year whether I would make this visit on behalf of Her Majesty to celebrate two hundred years of relations between our countries, I was delighted,” he added. He added further that, he had grown up seeing beautiful images of Nepal in books and on television. He was sure Nepalis hear this all the time, but Nepal holds a special place in the imagination for so many people around the world.

“Many members of my family have visited Nepal, including my father and my mother, who were both warmly welcomed. And of course famously, Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary brought Nepal to the attention of the world when the news of their summiting of Everest broke on the morning of my Grandmother’s coronation as Queen. What a way to steal the headlines!” The first trip to Nepal was a personal one for Prince Harry. He felt grateful and honored to pay tribute to some of Nepal’s most famous ambassadors, the Gurkhas, admired the world over for their fearsome bravery and courage but also for their humility and kindness, he observed.

“I served alongside Gurkhas during my first tour of Afghanistan and I look forward to visiting the communities that have produced and supported these extraordinary soldiers. I also know that I arrive here in Nepal as you approach the first anniversary of the earthquakes that took so many lives and that you are working to recover from,” the visiting UK Prince said, paying his respects to those who perished and hope to do what he could to shine a spotlight on the resolve and resilience of the Nepali people

He is even looking forward to exploring Nepal’s landscapes, celebrating Nepali culture, and hoped to make many new friends along the way. “I would like to close by saying how grateful I am to the Government of Nepal for your invitation to mark and celebrate two centuries of relations between our countries. I cannot wait to get out and see all that this country has to offer,” he shared the happiness.

Bicentenary refers to an opportunity to build on past achievements. On the occasion, DPM and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa said Nepal attaches great importance to the bicentennial celebration of the historic relations between Nepal and UK. The presence of high-ranking authorities of Nepal including senior members of the government at the reception reflects a strong attachment that Nepal has with the UK.

The DPM lauded the UK support to Nepal, saying the UK has supported the process of democratization in Nepal. It has also supported our peace process which concluded with the promulgation of the constitution. “The UK has been a valued partner in our development endeavours. Nepal government and the Nepalis have always appreciated generous support and cooperation received from the UK,” he stressed. He thanked UK government for their prompt and generous humanitarian response in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake last year.

“I’m sure that the presence of the Royal Highness during the current challenging times in Nepal will not only add to the strength and resolve of the friendly Nepali people to rise stronger out the multiple crises of recent times, but also raise more awareness and goodwill towards Nepal in the UK and beyond,” observed the DPM. He was hopeful about strengthening of world heritages sites in Patan and Bhaktapur areas after prince’s visit in those places.

Source: My Republica