Kathmandu. Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, paid homage to Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister, Bishweshwar Prasad (B.P.) Koirala, during a visit to the B.P. Museum in Sundarijal today. The tribute followed the ambassador’s presentation of credentials to the President of Nepal, Ramchandra Paudel, on November 22, 2024.
Ambassador Bass highlighted B.P. Koirala’s pivotal role in fostering Nepal-Israel relations, which began 64 years ago on June 1, 1960. Speaking at the museum, Ambassador Bass remarked, “B.P. Koirala’s visionary leadership was instrumental in establishing ties between Nepal and Israel during Israel’s formative years. My team and I will work diligently to ensure this enduring friendship grows stronger.”
Parasuram Pokharel, Chairperson of the B.P. Museum, welcomed Ambassador Bass and expressed gratitude for the visit. “This museum, once a prison where B.P. Koirala was held for nine years, stands as a symbol of his commitment to democracy and diplomacy. We appreciate Ambassador Bass and the Government of Israel for honoring this legacy. We are confident that this visit will further strengthen the historic ties between our nations,” Pokharel stated.
Nepal was the first South Asian country to recognize Israel as a state, a decision led by the visionary leaders B.P. Koirala and Israel’s then Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion. Over the decades, the Nepal-Israel relationship has flourished, marked by high-level visits and collaborative efforts in agriculture, education, health, and other sectors. MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, has played a key role in supporting these initiatives.
Ambassador Bass’s visit to the B.P. Museum underscores the mutual respect and commitment to deepening ties between Nepal and Israel, rooted in a shared vision of peace and cooperation.