KATHMANDU, Aug 23: Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan arrived in Nepal on Saturday on a three-day official visit at the invitation of Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Nepal’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Vietnam Dhan Bahadur Oli expressed confidence that the visit would “take bilateral ties to new heights,” opening fresh avenues in trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange.
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Since establishing formal ties in 1975, Nepal and Vietnam have nurtured goodwill and expanded cooperation across multiple sectors. With Buddhism as a strong cultural link, Oli highlighted opportunities in agriculture, herbal products, coffee plantations, agro-processing and joint ventures, alongside boosting cultural tourism—particularly Lumbini, which already attracts many Vietnamese visitors.
During her stay, Vice President Xuan will call on President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Yadav and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. She will also visit UNESCO World Heritage sites Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath.
Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba met with Xuan Saturday, requesting Vietnam’s support for direct flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport. Both leaders also discussed expanding cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums including on South-South cooperation and climate change.
As part of the golden jubilee celebrations, several joint events have been organised, with a major program scheduled in Hanoi this October. Preparations are also underway for agreements on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders along with potential investment pacts. “This visit is not just about marking 50 years of friendship,” Ambassador Oli said. “It is about charting the next 50 years of deeper cooperation.”
With inputs from RSS
