Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has highlighted the enduring friendship between Nepal and the United Kingdom, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation in investment, trade, and climate justice.

Speaking at an interaction programme ‘Nepal UK relations’ at Portcullis House in London on Monday, Koirala said that the Nepal-UK relationship, which spans over two centuries, has been characterised by mutual respect, trust, and shared values.

He expressed gratitude to the British government and people for their continuous support of Nepal, particularly during crises like the 2015 earthquake and the Covid pandemic.

“Britain’s unwavering support during various crises has cemented its role as a true friend,” he said. “The ventilators and vaccines provided during the pandemic, as well as the assistance after the earthquake, generated immense goodwill towards the British government and people.”

Koirala also lauded the contribution of the Gurkhas in strengthening Nepal-UK ties, noting their sacrifices during the two World Wars and beyond. “Over 200,000 Gurkhas fought in the two World Wars, with tens of thousands sacrificing their lives for British honour,” he said. “I urge the bilateral committee to resolve their grievances without delay in the spirit of our deep friendship.”

Highlighting Nepal’s investment potential, Koirala invited British investors to explore opportunities in clean energy, tourism, hydropower, agroforestry, and technology. He pointed out that Nepal’s strategic location between India and China offers unique advantages for joint ventures.

“With its vast potential in hydropower, tourism, and agroforestry, combined with a hardworking workforce, Nepal presents immense opportunities for foreign investment,” he said. “While British FDI in Nepal is noteworthy, there is substantial room for growth.”

Koirala called for greater efforts to address the trade imbalance between the two countries despite Nepal benefiting from preferential market access under the UK’s Enhanced Framework Scheme.

Koirala appreciated the Nepali diaspora in the UK for their increasing involvement in professional and political spheres and acknowledged the efforts of organisations like the Britain-Nepal Society in fostering bilateral ties.

“The Nepali diaspora here in the UK, working as doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers, and in other professions, contributes significantly to the vibrant British economy and society,” he said.

Koirala stressed the importance of climate justice, urging the UK to support Nepal’s financing demands to mitigate climate change’s impacts on its fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

“Climate change is significantly impacting Nepal’s ecosystems despite our minimal contribution to the crisis,” he said. “Our British friends can play a vital role in supporting Nepal’s legitimate demands for climate justice.”

Reflecting on Nepal’s democratic journey, Koirala highlighted the passage of the Transitional Justice Bill and underscored the Nepali Congress’s commitment to strengthening democratic norms and institutions.

“Democracy, development, and effective delivery are mutually reinforcing,” he said. “For us, democracy without meaningful development holds little value.”

Koirala urged for a British prime ministerial-level visit to Nepal, which he said would further solidify bilateral ties.

“No British prime minister has visited Nepal in 200 years of our friendship,” he said. “Such a visit would send a powerful message about Nepal-UK friendship in today’s rapidly changing world.”