The Czech Republic wants to increase people to people contact with Nepal and take bilateral relations between the two countries to the next level.

Ambassador of Czech Republic to Nepal Milan Hovoroka said the European nation also wants to enhance relations in a number of areas including political ties, trade and economic, education and culture.

“Nepal has always held an important place in our portfolio of foreign partners,” said Hovoroka. “The Czech Republic has been present in Nepal for a long time through a range of development assistance programmes, to enhance sustainable economic progress, inclusion and access to basic medical care, implemented bilaterally or through the European Union of which the Czech Republic is a proud member.”

He made these remarks while observing the National Day of Czech Republic. The Czech Republic observes its National Day on October 28.

Ambassador Hovoroka also noted that the Czechs stood with the people of Nepal in the immediate aftermath of the 2015 earthquake and were among the first to offer humanitarian aid.

The ambassador also expressed heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Nepal for the loss of lives due to Covid-19.

“I would like to convey my respect for all the government and people of Nepal have been doing to combat the coronavirus pandemic which, no doubt, is one the most unprecedented challenges humanity has experienced,” said Hovoroka.

The Czech Republic last year opened a visa application centre in Kathmandu to facilitate Nepalis who want to travel to the country.

The ambassador also said that Nepal has emerged as a preferred tourist destination for many Czechs.