Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 17:

To mark the 44th anniversary of Nepal Russia Cultural Association (NRCA), a programme was organised at the Russian Culture Centre here today. Various speakers expressed their discontent over the slow pace of cultural exchange going on between the two nations. "The 1990s witnessed very less cultural exchanges between the two states which is not good for the people of both the countries," said Valery V Nazarov, ambassador of the Russian Federation. "Rapid political developments that took place in the last decade is the chief cause for the changes," stated Nazarov. "Cultural programmes should be exchanged and high-level delegates should meet from time to time to boost the ties," he added. Professor Bhagwan Ratna Tuladhar, president, Nepal Russia Friendship Association demanded that the cultural and friendship organisations should unite. "There is no need for two associations with similar aims ," he said.