Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shishir Khanal, has emphasized the importance of expanding tourism cooperation and improving air connectivity with the Republic of Korea (South Korea), describing tourism as a key pillar for strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
The remarks were made during a farewell meeting with H.E. Park Taeyoung, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, who is concluding his three-year diplomatic tenure in the country. According to the Minister’s Secretariat, the meeting covered a wide range of issues, including tourism, trade, investment, education, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Tourism and Aviation Identified as Key Areas of Cooperation
During the meeting, Minister Khanal highlighted the need to enhance direct engagement between Nepal and South Korea by strengthening air connectivity and promoting tourism cooperation. He said improved flight links and increased travel opportunities would facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges while further deepening the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
The minister noted that tourism has significant potential to contribute to economic growth and cultural exchange, adding that closer collaboration in the sector would complement cooperation in trade, education, and technology. He stressed that improved connectivity would not only make travel easier for tourists and business travelers but also help unlock new opportunities for investment and long-term bilateral cooperation.
Expanding Investment and Economic Partnerships
Minister Khanal also called for broader economic engagement, urging both countries to identify new sectors for investment beyond traditional industries. He said Nepal and South Korea should explore partnerships in emerging sectors alongside energy and manufacturing to promote sustainable economic development. Expanding investment cooperation, he noted, would strengthen economic ties and create fresh opportunities for collaboration across multiple industries.
Stronger Academic and Research Collaboration Encouraged
Emphasizing the value of education and innovation, Minister Khanal encouraged stronger partnerships between universities and research institutions in Nepal and South Korea. He said enhanced academic cooperation would foster knowledge sharing, research collaboration, innovation, and the development of skilled human resources in both countries.
The minister also praised South Korea’s Employment Permit System (EPS), describing it as one of the most successful examples of Nepal–Korea cooperation. He noted that the programme has created employment opportunities for thousands of Nepali workers while significantly strengthening people-to-people relations between the two nations.
Outgoing Ambassador Reflects on His Time in Nepal
Ambassador Park Taeyoung expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Nepal, describing his diplomatic assignment as a memorable chapter in his career. He said he would always cherish his connection with Nepal and praised the country’s rich cultural diversity, heritage, and traditions, which left a lasting impression on him during his three-year tenure.
Tourism Cooperation Expected to Boost Bilateral Relations
The meeting reaffirmed the growing importance of tourism and aviation as strategic areas of Nepal–South Korea cooperation. Both sides recognized that enhanced air connectivity, stronger tourism promotion, and increased people-to-people exchanges would not only support the continued growth of Nepal’s tourism industry but also deepen bilateral friendship and open new avenues for economic and cultural collaboration.
With tourism increasingly emerging as a bridge between the two nations, Nepal and South Korea are expected to explore further initiatives aimed at improving connectivity, encouraging travel, and strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
