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Lithuania inaugurated its Honorary Consulate in Nepal last Tuesday (16 May).

During the official ceremony in Kathmandu, the Lithuanian Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Laimonas Talat-Kelpša, handed over the Letter of Commission to the newly appointed Honorary Consul Mr. Shovakar Neupane, and decorated him with a Lithuanian traditional sash. Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, also attended the ceremony.

“When we say ‘Honorary Consul’, we normally mean consular assistance and business relations. But in his case, Mr. Neupane has proven to be a rare and invaluable pick, as his interests also involve the promotion of academic and cultural ties between our countries,” said the ambassador during the inaugural reception.

He noted that Mr. Neupane has already sponsored a few important projects like the artistic residence of Lithuania’s eminent painter, Saulius Kruopis, in Nepal during the summer of 2016, as well as a study trip of a Nepali linguist, Radhunath Adhikaria, to Lithuania.

“Radhunath Adhikaria’s research has brought our attention to the connection between Nepali and Lithuanian, both descendants of Sanskrit, a connection which until now has been largely overlooked. Thus, Mr. Neupane’s initiative has already contributed to better understanding between our nations and offered an new platform for future cooperation,” stressed the ambassador.

At his inauguration as Honorary Consul, Mr. Neupane also excelled himself by throwing a party that showcased Lithuania at its best.

Thus, Kathmandu’s one of the five-star hotels was decorated in Nepalese and Lithuanian banners and a gigantic mandala featuring the national symbols of the two countries. The collection of Saulius Kruopis’s paintings was also displayed for public view.

More than 300 invited guests, all representing the top of Kathmandu’s business, political, and media circles, also enjoyed a cultural program that included Lithuanian folk dances performed by Nepalese artists. During the dinner, a selection of Lithuanian food cooked by Nepalese chefs was served.

Shovakar Neupane, 58, was appointed as Lithuania’s new Honorary Consul in Nepal on 30 March 2017. He is the founder and CEO of “Ambe Group of Industries,” a multi-crore corporation specializing in mining, production of cement and steel, food industries and real estate.

Lithuania and Nepal established diplomatic relations in 2005.