Kathmandu Hosts Vietnam’s Vice President as Nations Mark 50 Years of Ties

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba on Saturday, August 23, paid a courtesy call on Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, who arrived in Kathmandu earlier in the day for a three-day official visit. The trip marks the first high-level visit from Vietnam to Nepal.

According to the state-owned RSS news agency, the meeting focused on matters of bilateral interest. Dr Rana highlighted opportunities for collaboration in promoting cultural tourism, noting that Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is a major attraction for Vietnamese visitors.

She also sought Vietnam’s support in creating a favourable environment for direct flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport. In addition, she requested Vietnam’s backing for Nepal’s candidacies for the UN Human Rights Council (2027–2029) and the UN Economic and Social Council (2029–2031).

Vice President Xuan expressed her commitment to supporting Nepal in these endeavours. The two leaders also underscored the importance of advancing cooperation on global issues, including South–South cooperation and climate change.

Nepal and Vietnam are both members of the G77 and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Earlier on Saturday, Vice President Xuan was welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport by Foreign Minister Rana and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey. During her visit, she is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Nepal’s Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav Sunday, and meet President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Notably, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Vietnam.

(With inputs from RSS)