Foreign Minister Deuba and Ambassadors from 15 Countries Visit Kanyam for Diplomatic Retreat

Listen to this article

EDUCAST, On the occasion of Nepali New Year 2082, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba led a high-level diplomatic delegation comprising ambassadors from 15 countries to the scenic tea region of Kanyam and Shree Antu in eastern Nepal. The visit was part of an informal program titled “Diplomatic Retreat,” jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nepal Tourism Board in coordination with Suryodaya Municipality.

The visiting delegation was warmly welcomed by Mayor Ran Bahadur Rai of Suryodaya Municipality. A traditional Panchai Baja musical procession and local cultural performances, including Jhankri and Sakela dances, were held to honor the guests.

Among the participating ambassadors were Noha Hamdy Ahmed Elgebaly (Egypt), Park Taeyong (Republic of Korea), Rob Fenn (United Kingdom), Daniel Meuli Montellion (Switzerland), Suwapong Sirisorn (Thailand), Len Jonston (Australia), Virginie Cortebal (France), Shmulik Ariel Bass (Israel), Maeda Toru (Japan), Mohammad Firdhaus Bin Azman (Malaysia), C.R. Munasinghe (Sri Lanka), and Mohammad Humayun Kabir (Bangladesh). Also joining the program were senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nepal Tourism Board, as well as Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD.

The diplomats enjoyed horse riding and a short hike through the lush green tea gardens of Kanyam, often referred to as the “Green Carpet.” They also dressed in traditional ethnic attire for a cultural photo shoot and received warm hospitality from the local Lapcha community.

According to Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, the retreat includes sunrise viewing from Shree Antu hill, boating in Antu Pokhari, and sampling local varieties of tea and cheese. The event aimed to promote eastern Nepal’s unique cultural and natural attractions to the international community.