The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, sent cables of congratulations to His Excellency President Ram Chandra Bodil, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, on the occasion of his country's Democracy Day. The Saudi leadership expressed its sincerest congratulations and best wishes for good health and happiness to His Excellency, and for further progress and prosperity to the government and people of friendly Nepal.
Democracy Day: A historic milestone in Nepal's journey
Every year on February 19th, the people of Nepal celebrate Democracy Day, or Prajatantra Diwas, a pivotal day in the country's modern history. The origins of this occasion trace back to 1951, when a popular revolution successfully overthrew the autocratic Rana dynasty, which had ruled for 104 years. That year marked the end of the isolation imposed on the country by the previous regime and paved the way for the establishment of a democratic system. King Tribhuvan was able to return to the throne and proclaim democracy. This historic transformation launched Nepal's journey towards modernization and political participation, culminating in the abolition of the monarchy and the declaration of Nepal as a federal democratic republic in 2008, thus enshrining democratic principles in the nation's identity.
The importance of congratulations in the context of Saudi-Nepalese relations
The Saudi congratulatory message transcends mere diplomatic protocol, reflecting the depth and strength of the relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nepal. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1977 and have since witnessed remarkable development across various sectors. The Kingdom is a major destination for hundreds of thousands of skilled and unskilled Nepalese workers who contribute effectively to Saudi development projects, while their remittances form a vital pillar of the Nepalese economy. This gesture from the Saudi leadership underscores the mutual respect and appreciation for Nepal's democratic journey and further strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Future prospects for joint cooperation
Such diplomatic initiatives open the door to broader prospects for future cooperation between Riyadh and Kathmandu. In addition to cooperation in the labor sector, there are promising opportunities to expand the partnership to include other areas such as trade, infrastructure investment, tourism, and renewable energy. This gesture underscores the Kingdom's commitment to building bridges of communication with various countries around the world and supporting their stability and development, in a way that serves mutual interests and enhances security and peace at both the regional and international levels.
