Kathmandu, March 22  The US Embassy organised a programme to mark 243rd National Day of the United States here today. Vice-president Nanda Bahadur Pun and US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry raised a toast together for the continuation of a strong, deep, and close partnership between the United States of America and Nepal. Ambassador Berry highlighted the 72-year-long US-Nepal relationship as ‘joint triumphs’ which resulted through shared goals and a deep, meaningful partnership.  “That is why our partnership does not come with strings, loans, or indebtedness,” he said. “The Rs 150 billion worth of support that we expect to grant to Nepal over the coming five years will not be ‘money’ or ‘donor aid.’  It will, instead, deliver global best practices, training in skills, and models for Nepalis to adopt and make their own to help Nepal become both prosperous and happy.” The ambassador, deputy chief of mission, USAID Nepal Mission director, and defence attaché welcomed hundreds of Nepali guests working in different areas invited to celebrate the National Day. Vice-president Pun, the chief guest for the event, and Ambassador Berry observed the colour guard presentations and national anthems of both countries. Although the Independence Day of the US is celebrated on July 4, the day is marked well in advance in Nepal because of a number of reasons including monsoon season.