The British Embassy Kathmandu celebrated the 89th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, with guest of honor Vice President Paramananda Jha.

The British Charge d’Affaires John Rankin was joined by over five hundred guests on Tuesday evening at the British Embassy premises in Kathmandu.

According to a press release issued by British Embassy, in attendance were Chairman Subhas Nembang and Members of the Constituent Assembly, Ministers Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, Dr Minendra Rijal, Nepal government officials, leaders of political parties, civil society and business community. Members of the Kathmandu-based diplomatic corps and international organizations and media were also present to celebrate the strong ties between the UK and Nepal. A musical band from the Nepali Army played the national anthems of Nepal and the United Kingdom.

Addressing the gathering Rankin said, “This spring we mark two hundred years since the first Gurkhas were recruited into the British Army. We are also celebrating 199 years of relations between our two countries and I look forward in the period ahead to working closely with the Government of Nepal and many friends here this evening in preparations to celebrate the bicentenary.”

 “Our friendship is in robust health and not only in our defense relations, where there is deep respect and admiration for the Gurkhas’ continued contribution to Britain’s security. Today, our Department for International Development is Nepal’s biggest bilateral donor, helping reduce poverty for many Nepalese.

The British Council and our Chevening scholarships is a reminder that the UK remains a first choice for many young Nepalese to study. In the other direction, nearly 40000 British citizens visit Nepal every year and are captivated by the natural beauty of Nepal’s mountains and national parks.

The political links between our two Governments and Parliaments are strong. The UK was proud to support the 2013 elections and remains a strong supporter of Nepal’s efforts to complete a new constitution.”