KATHMANDU, MAY 27
The Embassy of Italy in Nepal hosted a reception at Hotel Aloft, Thamel on Tuesday evening to mark the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, bringing together diplomats, government officials and members of the Kathmandu business and civil society community.
The event was organised by the Ambassador of Italy to India and Nepal, H.E. Antonio Bartoli, alongside Honorary Consul General of Italy in Kathmandu, Mrs. Pratima Pande.
In his address, Ambassador Bartoli reflected on the shared values and converging interests between the two nations, pointing to Italy's expertise in small and medium enterprises, sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation as areas of particular relevance to Nepal. He highlighted the Pyramid International Laboratory, a scientific research facility built by Italy at over 5,000 metres in the Himalayas in the early 1990s, as an asset with growing importance for climate research, glaciology and high-altitude medicine. "Growth, stability, security, and opportunities for younger generations, there is much that unites Italy and Nepal," he said.
The Ambassador closed with a personal note, promising to return not only for official engagements but for the trekking circuits he described as being at the top of the world.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ganesh Dhakal, the honorary chief guest of the evening addressed the gathering on behalf of the Government of Nepal, recalled the roots of Nepal-Italy ties dating back to the pre-unification period and the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1959. He called on Italian investors to explore Nepal's untapped potential, citing the government's focus on infrastructure, clean energy, hydropower and digital services as priorities for economic transformation.
The formal programme was followed by a live performance by Mezzotono, an Italian a cappella ensemble known for blending jazz, folk and traditional Italian music.