ISLAMABAD, APR 04 (DNA) – Ambassador of Nepal Sewa Lamsal hosted a grand reception to formally open the Nepalese food festival which shall continue for two days i.e Thursday and Friday at the Marriott Islamabad.Reflective of a vibrant Nepalese culture, the food festival will offer a slice of Nepalese cuisine that combines with a unique flair.
The mouth watering cuisines offered during the fesrival included Thukpa, Gorkhali Lamb, Yomari, Chatamari, Nepalese Pizza, Pulao and Dal Bhat.
A large number of guests hailing from various walks of life attended the reception. Former Foreign Minister and senior politicians Sartaj Aziz also attended the function along with envoys from many countries.
Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tehmina Janjua who was chief guest on the occasion, appreciated efforts of Ambassador of Nepal in promoting bilateral relations.
The foreign secretary also lauded the initiative of food festivals adding such occasions shall provide especially the Pakistani people with an opportunity of having first hand information about various Nepalese cuisines.
Ambassador of Nepal Sewa Lamsal in her address welcomed all guests to the Nepalese food festival to celebrate 60th anniversary of Nepal-Pakistan bilateral relations.
The ambassador lauded efforts of the foreign secretary for further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and wished her a prosperous life as she is retiring from service after completing her service.
Further dilating upon bilateral relations the ambassador said, “Our relations are based on friendship, goodwill, mutual respect, sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other. These relations are time tested and have been growing strengths to strengths at all levels”.
She said she deeply valued the wisdom and teachings of Gautam Buddha, known in Pakistan as the Gandhara civilization and want to spread the message of peace on the momentous occasion of 2561th Buddha Jayanti.
Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha was born as a prince in the royal palace garden of Lumbini, Nepal in 623 BC.
While the footprint of Gautam Buddha was started in the Garden of Lumbini, the practice and teachings of Gautam Buddha was spread all over Asia, including Pakistan and remains one of the richest heritages and civilizations in the world.
The ambassador said Nepalese government is paying special attention to promote its tourism industry and encouraging more and more tourists to visit Nepal.
She added, the year 2020 shall be celebrated in Nepal as the Tourism Year and expecting over two million tourists in the country. She invited all stakeholders in Pakistan who want to promote tourism, to come to Nepal and explore avenues of cooperation in this particular field.
The ambassador also called for promoting people to people contacts through various activities including sports. She wished Pakistan all the best, peace and prosperity.
The General Manager of Marriott Hotel Maurizio Romano also spoke on the occasion.=DNA
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