Welcome Reception for the Newly Arrived Ambassadors of Australia and Saudi Arabia to Nepal

The Ambassadors Club Nepal organized the 'Welcome Reception for the Newly Arrived Ambassadors of Australia and Saudi Arabia' on March 30 at the Ambassadors Club office in Bishalnagar, Kathmandu. The newly arrived ambassadors from Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were Simon Ernst and Fahd Mohammad Ajmi Mnikhr, respectively.

The Ambassadors Club Nepal organized the 'Welcome Reception for the Newly Arrived Ambassadors of Australia and Saudi Arabia' on March 30 at the Ambassadors Club office in Bishalnagar, Kathmandu. The newly arrived ambassadors from Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were Simon Ernst and Fahd Mohammad Ajmi Mnikhr, respectively.

Amb. Dr. Sarmila Parajuli, President of the Ambassadors Club Nepal, International Relations and Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD), and The Diplomat Nepal magazine, delivered the keynote address at the program. "On behalf of the Ambassadors Club Nepal, IRGDD, and the editorial team of The Diplomat Nepal, it is my distinct honour to host this reception," she said. "We are gathered in this sanctuary of wisdom to extend a heartfelt welcome to our newly arrived colleagues: His Excellency, Mr. Simon Ernst, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia, and His Excellency, Mr. Fahd Mohammad Ajmi Mnikhr, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Excellencies, your arrival marks a flourishing chapter in our shared history, a narrative written over decades with the ink of mutual respect and friendship."

The program was attended by Pushkar Sapkota, Secretary, Law and Human Rights Sector, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers; Bimal Dhakal, Publisher of The Diplomat Nepal magazine and Co-founder of Ambassadors Club and IRGDD; Tirtha Raj Aryal, Director General of the Department of Passport; Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC); Sherif Mostafa Al Sayed Aldiwany, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Nepal, and his spouse Hanan Ebdelall; Md. Shafiqur Rahman, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal; Petri Juhani Puhakka, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal; Mohd Firdaus bin Azman, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Malaysia in Nepal; Ruwanthi Delpitiya, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal; Mishal Mohammed Al Ansari, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nepal; U Thant Sin, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to Nepal; Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Alshamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Nepal; Abrar Hussain Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, and his spouse Samiya Abrar; Numan Ozcan, Country Director at the International Labour Organization (ILO); Amb. Madhu Raman Acharya, former Foreign Secretary of Nepal and President of the Public Administration Association of Nepal (PAAN); Bikram Pandey, Honorary Consul General of Greece; Nava Raj Dahal, Honorary Consul of Estonia; Ang Tsering Sherpa, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium; Desh Bandhu Basnet, Honorary Consul of Zambia; and Hari Bhakta Sharma, Honorary Consul of Slovenia.

During her keynote speech, Amb. Dr. Sarmila emphasized the need for peace, the strengthening of international cooperation, and the growing role of digital diplomacy in the 21st century. She described diplomacy as a “global tapestry” that unites nations through dialogue, dignity, and shared progress. She welcomed the newly arrived ambassadors, highlighting Nepal’s long-standing relationships with countries such as Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underscoring decades of cooperation rooted in mutual respect and people-to-people ties.

"With Australia, Nepal celebrates a bond transcending geography for 66 years since 1960. Ours is a relationship anchored in a shared love for education and adventure, further strengthened by a vibrant Nepali diaspora, a 'living bridge' that ensures the heart of the Himalayas beats strongly in the Southern Hemisphere," she said. "Similarly, our partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, spanning nearly half a century since 1977, is a testament to profound cultural and human ties. Beyond commerce, we are bound by mutual trust and the invaluable contribution of our people to the Kingdom’s visionary transformation. It is a symphony of cooperation where the ancient heritage of the Arabian Peninsula meets the timeless wisdom of the Himalayas."

She stressed the importance of Track II diplomacy and ongoing engagement with non-resident embassies, particularly those based in New Delhi, as well as expanding partnerships across Asia and Europe. She also announced the launch of the Diplomatic Academy Nepal, aimed at integrating traditional diplomacy with digital innovation under a “Diplo-Tech” framework. Additionally, she highlighted the growing influence of The Diplomat Nepal, a publication promoting Nepal’s foreign policy discourse globally. Calling for global peace, she urged world leaders to end conflicts and prioritize diplomacy, warning that war undermines humanity and the planet’s future.

Amb. Dr. Sarmila noted that Nepal is undergoing a period of transformation, driven by a new generation and leadership committed to prosperity and global engagement. She also highlighted the role of institutions like the Ambassadors Club Nepal and IRGDD in promoting non-partisan diplomacy and enhancing Nepal’s global outreach through economic and cultural “soft power.”

During the event, two newly appointed ambassadors of Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nepal have expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by both the diplomatic community and the people of Nepal, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, said he was deeply touched by the welcome he had received since arriving in the country three months ago. He noted that Nepal’s culture of hospitality has made his transition to a new posting both smooth and memorable.

Ambassador Ernst also praised the role of the Ambassadors Club in supporting diplomatic engagement in Nepal, describing it as a “wonderful initiative.” He expressed his eagerness to further engage with members of the diplomatic community and deepen his understanding of Nepal.

Similarly, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nepal, Fahd Mohammad Ajmi Mnikhr, expressed gratitude for the support extended to him since his arrival on January 20. He highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia, established in 1977, and noted that the two countries will mark 50 years of relations with special activities in the near future.

Ambassador Ajimi Mnikhr also underscored the importance of recent cooperation in the labour sector and expressed optimism that bilateral ties would further strengthen under Nepal’s new government.

The Ambassadors Club Nepal is a non-partisan, shared platform for resident and non-resident Ambassadors, Heads of Mission, and Diplomats accredited to Nepal to foster diplomacy and cooperation. During the event, the ambassadors and guests enjoyed the music of the renowned instrumental Sur Sudha band in Nepal.