KATHMANDU: Minister of Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have exchanged congratulatory messages ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

According to the Embassy of Russia in Nepal, the messages were exchanged as the two countries prepare to mark the anniversary on July 20, commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations on July 20, 1956.

In his message, Lavrov said relations between Russia and Nepal have consistently been characterized by friendship, mutual respect, and consideration of each other’s fundamental interests. He reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to work jointly to deepen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both peoples and expressed confidence that closer collaboration would contribute to regional and international stability and security.

Khanal, in his message, said Nepal attaches high importance to its cordial and longstanding relations with the Russian Federation. He noted that the two countries have nurtured a partnership based on friendship, mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation over the past seven decades.

The foreign minister also described the anniversary as an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation and further broaden and deepen bilateral partnership in the years ahead, according to the embassy.