MoCIT Minister Gurung Stresses Stronger Nepal–Vietnam Ties on 50th Anniversary
24th August 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal and Vietnam marked the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a special event in Kathmandu, highlighting five decades of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.
MoCIT Minister Gurung Nepal-Vietnam relations
The celebration welcomed Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân and her delegation to Nepal, reinforcing the bond between the two nations.
A Golden Jubilee of Friendship
The ceremony symbolized more than just the passage of time. It reflected the deep-rooted ties that have grown since 1975, when the two countries first established formal relations. Leaders emphasized that Nepal and Vietnam, despite their geographical distance, share common values of peace, resilience, and sovereignty.
Nepal’s Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, addressed the gathering and extended warm greetings on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal. He described the anniversary as both a celebration of history and a vision for the future.
Shared Values and Inspirations
Vietnam’s rapid development and global integration were highlighted as a source of inspiration for Nepal. Over the past decades, Vietnam has transformed into a hub for manufacturing, trade, and technology, creating jobs and expanding opportunities.
Minister Gurung praised Vietnam’s resilience and progress, noting that Nepal aspires to achieve similar growth while safeguarding its cultural identity and traditions. He stressed that the histories of both countries are shaped by struggles for independence, dignity, and identity, making their partnership even more meaningful.
Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
Nepal expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Vietnam in several key areas:
Trade and Investment – Nepal welcomes Vietnamese investors in hydropower, IT, and infrastructure.
Tourism Promotion – Nepal looks forward to hosting more Vietnamese visitors, especially at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Education and Cultural Exchange – Both sides see opportunities to strengthen people-to-people connections.
Agriculture and Technology – Partnerships in tea, coffee, agro-processing, and IT services are expected to grow.
Nepal also proposed direct air connectivity between Kathmandu and Hanoi, which would boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange.
Global Partnerships and Shared Agendas
Beyond bilateral ties, Nepal and Vietnam continue to work together in international forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. Both countries support sustainable development, climate action, and South-South cooperation.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to amplify the voices of developing nations on global platforms. They emphasized collaboration for peace, stability, and equitable development worldwide.
Learning from Vietnam’s Economic Success
Vietnam’s remarkable economic journey was a central theme. Once known for its struggles, the country has now become a global manufacturing and trade hub. Its success in textiles, garments, electronics, and agro-processing has created millions of jobs and improved livelihoods.
Nepal sees opportunities to learn and collaborate. Joint ventures in garments, handicrafts, tea, and coffee were identified as promising sectors. Similarly, tourism partnerships—such as linking Nepal’s Himalayas with Vietnam’s green hills and plains—were discussed.
The idea of integrated Buddhist tourism circuits was also presented, connecting Lumbini with Vietnam’s sacred Buddhist sites. This initiative is expected to strengthen cultural ties and attract international visitors.
A Future of Stronger Relations
As Nepal and Vietnam celebrate this golden jubilee, both sides are looking ahead to the next fifty years. Nepal pledged to expand its diplomatic presence in Vietnam and promote joint business initiatives across diverse fields.
Minister Gurung expressed his gratitude to Vietnam for its continued friendship and goodwill. He wished peace, prosperity, and progress for Vietnam while reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to building stronger relations.
The event concluded with the message:
“Long live Nepal–Vietnam friendship.”
Key Takeaways
Nepal and Vietnam celebrated 50 years of diplomatic ties in Kathmandu.
Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân led Vietnam’s delegation to Nepal.
Nepal seeks partnership in trade, tourism, IT, agriculture, and education.
Plans include direct air links and joint tourism packages.
Vietnam’s economic rise offers lessons for Nepal’s development.
Both countries pledged to strengthen cooperation in global forums.
