KATHMANDU: Nepali Communist Party (NCP) leader and former Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has said Nepal-Russia diplomatic relations dating back to seven decades are based on mutual respect, equality and friendship.

Inaugurating a photo exhibition held on Monday at the Russian Culture Centre on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Russia diplomatic ties, he said since seven decades, both nations have been cooperating in the areas of education, science and technology, health, culture, tourism and human resources, contributing to further strengthening of the bilateral ties.

Pun said that Russia’s support for Nepal’s physical infrastructure development and industrialization during the country’s early stages of development journey was significant. He added that many professionals in medicine, engineering, science and other fields who completed their higher studies in Russia have made remarkable contributions to Nepal’s development.

“Nepal–Russia relations are not limited to just diplomatic exchanges. Long-standing and continuous cooperation in areas like education, science and technology, health, culture, tourism, and human resource development has made the bilateral relationship even stronger,” Pun said.

In the early stages of Nepal’s development journey, the assistance provided by Russia in building physical infrastructure and industrialization has made a significant contribution to Nepal’s socio-economic development, he added.

Leader Pun stated that thousands of Nepalis who have pursued higher education in Russia have made important contributions to Nepal in the fields of medicine, engineering, science, and various other professions.

He also pointed out that there is great potential to expand cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, energy, tourism, education, science, technology and innovation, agriculture, and cultural exchange, building on the strong foundation of friendship and collaboration between Nepal and Russia over the past 70 years.

The NCP leader and MP said that the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Russia diplomatic relations is not just a celebration of past achievements but also an opportunity to strengthen future cooperation.