KATHMANDU: Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav attended the Russia Day state reception hosted by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kathmandu, where Russia underscored its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nepal as the two countries commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Speaking at the reception, Russian Ambassador to Nepal Aleksei V. Surovtsev said the longstanding friendship between Russia and Nepal is founded on mutual respect, goodwill and people-to-people contacts. He said Russia values Nepal’s sovereign foreign policy based on non-alignment and the principles of Panchsheel.

Despite Western sanctions on Moscow, Nepal has maintained diplomatic engagement with Russia in line with its long-standing non-aligned foreign policy, with the two countries continuing to expand cooperation as they mark seven decades of diplomatic relations.

The ambassador reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to expand bilateral cooperation in energy, education, tourism, culture and humanitarian exchanges, while appreciating Nepal’s constructive role in regional and global affairs. He also outlined Russia’s vision for greater regional cooperation through the Greater Eurasian Partnership, the Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century, and platforms including BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue.

The reception came days after Group of Seven (G7) leaders agreed to intensify sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine. Despite Western sanctions on Moscow, Nepal has maintained diplomatic engagement with Russia in line with its long-standing non-aligned foreign policy, with the two countries continuing to expand cooperation as they mark seven decades of diplomatic relations.

The reception, held at the Dusit Princess Hotel on June 24, was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, business representatives, academics, media personnel and members of the Russian community, and concluded with a musical performance by artists from Russia.