KATHMANDU: Shanil Nepal, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nepal to the Kingdom of Spain, presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Felipe VI during a formal ceremony at the Royal Palace of Madrid on Tuesday. The event marked a significant step in advancing diplomatic relations between Nepal and Spain, with discussions focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges.
The ceremony began at the Palacio de Santa Cruz, where Ambassador Nepal was received by the Second Introducer of Ambassadors from Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation. He held a brief meeting with Guillermo Angiras, Deputy Director-General for South and Southeast Asia, before proceeding to the Royal Palace. Upon arrival, Ambassador Nepal was accorded a Guard of Honour by Spain’s Royal Guard, accompanied by the ceremonial playing of Nepal’s national anthem—a gesture symbolizing mutual respect and goodwill.
Private Audience with King Felipe VI
Following the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Nepal attended a private audience with King Felipe VI, accompanied by senior officials from Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Under-Secretary. Their discussions centered on the longstanding, cordial relations between Nepal and Spain, as well as opportunities to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and climate action.
King Felipe VI congratulated Ambassador Nepal on his appointment and expressed his best wishes for a successful tenure. Reflecting on his previous visit to Nepal as a young tourist, the King shared fond memories of his informal trip and expressed his desire to visit Nepal again in the future. He also acknowledged the steady growth in bilateral relations over the years, expressing satisfaction with the progress made in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Nepal conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the Right Honourable President of Nepal, Mr. Ram Chandra Poudel. Through King Felipe VI, he extended the goodwill of the Government and people of Nepal to their Spanish counterparts. Highlighting Nepal’s foreign policy priorities, development initiatives, and efforts to combat climate change, Ambassador Nepal emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
Focus on Climate Change and Development
During the private audience, Ambassador Nepal briefed King Felipe VI on Nepal’s ongoing development programs and its vision for sustainable growth. Drawing attention to the adverse impacts of climate change on Nepal—a country highly vulnerable to its effects—Ambassador Nepal urged for greater international solidarity and support to address these pressing issues. He highlighted Nepal’s proactive efforts in mitigating climate risks and called for collaborative initiatives to promote environmental sustainability.
The Ambassador also discussed Nepal’s commitment to fostering economic growth through innovation, infrastructure development, and renewable energy projects. By leveraging Spain’s expertise in technology and green energy, Nepal aims to accelerate its transition toward sustainable development while creating new opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
Ceremonial Attendees and Protocol
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials from Spain, including the Chief of Protocol of the Royal Palace, the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from the Spanish media. From the Embassy of Nepal, Ambassador Nepal was accompanied by embassy staff and members of his family, who joined him in this historic occasion.
Historical Context of Nepal-Spain Relations
Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Spain were established on May 13, 1968, marking over five decades of friendship and cooperation. Over the years, both nations have worked to strengthen their ties through dialogue, cultural exchanges, and development partnerships. In a significant step forward, the Government of Nepal decided to open a residential embassy in Madrid on February 20, 2017, further solidifying its commitment to advancing bilateral relations.
President Ram Chandra Paudel formally appointed Shanil Nepal as Ambassador to Spain on Mangsir 28 (mid-December), entrusting him with the responsibility of representing Nepal’s interests in one of Europe’s key nations. Ambassador Nepal’s credentials presentation ceremony served as an official endorsement of his role and a platform to lay the groundwork for future engagements.
Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
As Nepal and Spain celebrate over 55 years of diplomatic relations, the appointment of Ambassador Shanil Nepal signals renewed momentum in bilateral cooperation. Both countries are poised to explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, technology transfer, and climate resilience. Ambassador Nepal’s emphasis on leveraging international partnerships to address global challenges aligns with Spain’s own priorities, creating fertile ground for meaningful collaboration.
In addition to fostering economic and political ties, Ambassador Nepal aims to deepen cultural and people-to-people connections between Nepal and Spain. By promoting tourism, educational exchanges, and artistic collaborations, he hopes to build bridges that reflect the shared values and aspirations of both nations. These efforts are expected to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen the bond between the two countries.
