Nepal, US Sign Agreement to Protect Cultural Property

Nepal and the United States on Thursday signed a bilateral agreement on cultural property aimed at protecting Nepal’s cultural heritage and curbing the illegal trafficking of artifacts.

Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr Suresh Shrestha and US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson signed the agreement at a ceremony in Kathmandu.

Under the agreement, the United States will restrict the import of certain archaeological and cultural objects from Nepal unless they are accompanied by an export certificate issued by the Government of Nepal. The move is expected to help prevent the theft, smuggling and illegal trade of culturally significant items.

The agreement covers a wide range of cultural property, including religious and classical objects, manuscripts and historically valuable woodcrafts, and seeks to strengthen efforts to preserve Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.

Both countries have also agreed to cooperate in taking action against individuals and groups involved in the theft and illegal trafficking of cultural property.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mukunda Prasad Niraula thanked the US government for its support in preserving Nepal’s cultural heritage.

US Ambassador Thompson said the agreement reflects the US government’s respect for Nepal’s cultural heritage and will help strengthen cooperation to combat the smuggling of cultural artifacts. -- RSS