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Embassy of Nepal, Qatar Nepal's Relation with the State of Qatar |
| Nepal and the State of Qatar established
their formal diplomatic relations on 21 January 1977. Since the
establishment of the diplomatic relations, both countries enjoy excellent
state of relationship and are trying to enhance and strengthen the bonds of
friendship. The relations between the two countries have been based on
goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperative attitude. At the peoples
level as well, there is an atmosphere of tremendous understanding for mutual
benefits, Although small in geographical area, both countries are abundantly
endowed with natural resources. Nepal has a great potential in water
resources and natural beauty. Qatar is enriched with extensive deposits of
natural gas and oil. By utilizing these resources both countries can attain
one of the highest standards of development and living in the world. Both countries–Nepal and Qatar have similarities in many important respects. Both countries take pride in their rich ancient cultures. Both countries are small next to much larger neighbors. Both have proud history and tolerant societies in which peoples of all faiths live and work together towards a common goal. It is a matter of satisfaction that the Nepalese expatriates are meeting a part of Qatar’s manpower requirements and contributing to the progress and prosperity of this country in their own way. It is highly commendable that the government as well as the people of Qatar rely on honesty and hard work of the Nepalese and are providing them with employment opportunities. Now a remarkable number of Nepalese manpower of different categories are serving in different professions. Nepalese expatriates working in Qatar have become a bridge between the two countries and their people. Nepal and Qatar share similar views on many international agenda and issues. Both countries are members of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement where both work together for the common good of the humankind. Both countries contribute significantly to the promotion of peace and security in the world. From ancient times, South Asia had close interaction with the Arab world through the enterprising Arab traders. Nepal has consistently shared the aspirations and concerns of the State of Qatar and other Gulf countries for peace in the Middle East. Mutual understanding and cooperation in the Gulf is very vital for the region as well as the entire world. There exists ample scope of cooperation for mutual benefits between Nepal and Qatar. The indicative areas of cooperation could be: 1. Joint ventures in industries such as food processing, Himalayan spring water for drinking purposes, petrochemicals and hydropower generation. 2. Banking and financial sectors 3. Tourism and tourism related industries 4. Trade in petroleum products, hand made carpets, garments, handicrafts item, medicinal herbs, lentils, cardamom, ginger, fresh vegetables, flowers etc. Nepal and Qatar signed the Air Service Agreement in 2002. Now, Qatar Airways is operating daily direct passenger flights to Kathmandu and handling a significant quantity of Nepalese export goods bound for Europe and America. Nepal’s justly famed natural Himalayan beauty as well as its rich architecture are receiving worldwide attention and attracting an increasing number of tourists from around the world. Nepal could provide best alternative ambiance for Qatari tourists to spend their holidays away from the bustle of modernity. This could also contribute to the generation of close trade and investment relations between the two countries. The availability of inexpensive work force and other natural advantages would certainly make for profitable investment in Nepal. Nepal recently adopted an open economic system and created an investment friendly atmosphere. Amendments were also brought into the foreign direct investment related laws and regulations. Now there are no legal and practical barriers to repatriate the profits from the investments. In short Nepal is a choice destination for tourism, trade and investment. Higher level visits always generate an atmosphere of goodwill and trust. Keeping this spirit, there have been many visits from Nepal to Qatar. His Majesty Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev visited Qatar in the summer of 1999 while returning back from London to Kathmandu. Similarly, His Majesty Late King Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev visited Doha in January 2000. His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev visited Doha in June 2005. Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah visited Doha in August 2001 and November 2002 while returning back from London to Kathmandu. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Himani Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah visited Doha in August 2001. Earlier in September 1998, the Right Honorable Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had also visited and had meaningful talks with the highest authorities of Qatar. Ministers and high ranking government officials have been frequently visiting Qatar. Now, the people and the Government of Nepal are eagerly awaiting to welcome the high dignitaries of Qatar and add up further milestones to Nepal-Qatar relations. |
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Designed and Developed by Mr. Shikhar Vaidya and Assisted by Mr. Sagun Vaidya
Contact - 5592133 Doha, Qatar.; eMail: vaidya@qatar.net.qa