Ramchandra Paudel, President of Nepal, arrived in Berlin Saturday afternoon on an official visit to Germany at the invitation of Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Upon arrival at Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport, President Paudel and his entourage were welcomed by Mr. Ram Kaji Khadka, Ambassador of Nepal to Germany, along with senior officials from the Federal Foreign Office and the Office of the President of Germany.
President Paudel is scheduled to hold official talks with the German President on June 17, according to Amrit Bahadur Rai, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Nepal and Germany established diplomatic relations on April 4, 1958. Since then, the relationship between the two countries has grown based on friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation. Both countries have established embassies in each other’s capitals, with Nepal opening its embassy in Berlin on July 5, 1965, and Germany opening its embassy in Kathmandu in 1963.
The year 2018 marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Germany, celebrated with various programs in both countries. High-level visits have further strengthened the close and cordial relations between the two nations.
Notable visits include German President Heinrich Lubke in 1967 and President Prof. Roman Herzog in 1996. Late King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya paid a state visit to Germany in October 1986, and former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala visited Germany in 1995 and 2000. Other significant visits include those by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Madhav Kumar Nepal in 1995 and Minister for Foreign Affairs Upendra Yadav in 2009.
Germany, a significant country in central Europe consisting of 16 states (Länder), has been an important partner for Nepal. Nepal mainly imports optical instruments, photography equipment, surgical appliances, medicine products, and vehicles from Germany. There is significant potential for exporting Nepalese goods such as carpets, honey, ready-made garments, pashmina, handicrafts, silver ornaments, wooden and bamboo articles, herbs, cardamom, and tea to Germany. Germany was previously a major destination for Nepalese carpets due to direct air connectivity.
There is also potential for technology transfer from Germany to Nepal, particularly in renewable energy. In 2019, 36,641 Germans visited Nepal, with many showing interest in mountain climbing. Germany’s high per capita income and government policies encouraging foreign travel make it an attractive market for Nepalese tourism.
Germany has provided extensive assistance to Nepal in various sectors, including agriculture, urban development, waste management, small and cottage enterprises, poverty alleviation, physical infrastructure development, hydropower, renewable energy, education, health, environmental conservation, and humanitarian support. Germany has invested 200 million Euros in the 70-megawatt Mid Marsyangdi Hydropower Project through the KfW Bank. Following the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, Germany provided significant aid for reconstruction.
Germany is a key export market for Nepalese carpets and textiles. An investment protection agreement has been in place since October 1986. The Nepal-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NGCCI), established in 1990, promotes bilateral trade. Nepal’s main exports to Germany include handicrafts, silver jewelry, garments, leather goods, lentils, tea, essential oils, and bamboo goods. Imports from Germany primarily consist of industrial raw materials, chemicals, machinery, electronics, and vehicles.
Over 15,000 Nepalis live in Germany, contributing to strengthening ties at the people-to-people level. President Paudel’s visit aims to further enhance these strong bilateral relations.
Accompanying the President are First Lady Mrs. Sabita Paudel, Dr. Suresh Chandra Chalise, Foreign Affairs Expert, Ms. Sewa Lamsal, Foreign Secretary, Mr. Dilliram Sharma, Secretary at the Office of the President, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President of Nepal.
This visit marks the first official visit by a Head of State from Nepal since 1986.He is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on June 19.
