Kathmandu– Ambassadors Club Nepal welcomed Amb. Dr. Mark Allen, Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nepal, for a high-level diplomatic engagement in Kathmandu, reaffirming the shared commitment of Nepal and Canada to deepen their longstanding friendship and expand cooperation across diverse sectors.
Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Allen was accompanied by Dr. Buddha Basnyat, Honorary Consul of Canada to Nepal, and Ms. Tejdeep Kaur.
Welcoming the distinguished delegation, Amb. Dr. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, President of International Relations Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD), Ambassadors Club Nepal, Diplomat Nepal, and Diplomatic Academy Nepal (DAN), extended a warm welcome on behalf of all four institutions and reflected on the remarkable journey of Nepal–Canada relations.
She noted that the previous year marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Canada—a partnership built on mutual respect, democratic values, friendship, and development cooperation since 1965.
Amb. Dr. Sarmila highlighted that the institutional framework comprising IRGDD, Ambassadors Club Nepal, Diplomat Nepal, and Diplomatic Academy Nepal celebrated its first anniversary on 18 May 2026, stating:
“Over the past year, we have dedicated ourselves to bridging worlds through dialogue, diplomacy, and partnership. Today, we continue this journey with greater enthusiasm, stronger commitment, and a shared vision of creating meaningful international cooperation that benefits nations and people alike.”
Introducing the institutions, she described Ambassadors Club Nepal as a premier diplomatic platform that promotes friendship, mutual understanding, and engagement among Ambassadors, Heads of Mission, international organisations, government institutions, academia, and the private sector.
She further introduced IRGDD as Nepal’s leading Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy think tank; Diplomat Nepal as a professional platform advancing informed dialogue on diplomacy and international affairs; and Diplomatic Academy Nepal (DAN) as an institution committed to preparing future diplomatic leaders through innovative and technology-driven diplomatic education.
Acknowledging the contributions of Ambassador Kali Prasad Pokharel, Nepal’s second Ambassador to Canada, Amb. Dr. Sarmila expressed appreciation for his continued guidance and involvement with the institutions.
Reflecting Nepal’s timeless philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world is one family, she remarked:
“Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Allen is not a guest in a foreign land but a member of our extended family. This spirit of openness, friendship, and shared humanity defines Nepal’s engagement with the world and remains at the heart of Ambassadors Club Nepal.”
She also highlighted the vibrant and growing Nepali community in Canada, describing it as a living bridge connecting the peoples of both countries through education, entrepreneurship, culture, innovation, and people-to-people relations. She welcomed Canada’s recognition of Nepal Heritage Day, calling it a meaningful acknowledgement of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and the valuable contributions of the Nepali diaspora.
Looking ahead, Amb. Dr. Sarmila expressed confidence that Nepal and Canada could further strengthen collaboration in trade and investment, education, tourism, climate action, sustainable development, labour mobility, innovation, research, technology, and cultural exchange.
Deputy High Commissioner Highlights a New Chapter in Nepal–Canada Relations
In his keynote remarks, Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Mark Allen thanked Amb. Dr. Sarmila and Ambassadors Club Nepal for providing an important platform to strengthen bilateral engagement and public diplomacy.
He shared that his visit to Nepal coincided with the Fourth Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) between Nepal and Canada and described the consultations as an important opportunity to renew and elevate bilateral relations at a time when both countries are entering new phases of national development.
Dr. Allen observed that Nepal’s young leadership and ambitious reform agenda, together with Canada’s renewed focus on expanding and diversifying its international partnerships under Prime Minister Mark Carney, present an excellent opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation.
He emphasised that governments alone cannot shape the future of international relations. Diplomats, civil society, academia, think tanks, businesses, entrepreneurs, and young leaders all have essential roles to play in building stronger partnerships between nations.
Congratulating Amb. Dr. Sarmila and Ambassadors Club Nepal, Dr. Allen praised the institution for creating one of Nepal’s most vibrant diplomatic engagement platforms and for raising the profile of diplomacy through meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
He remarked that diplomacy has never been more relevant than it is today as the world navigates significant geopolitical shifts, emerging technologies, climate challenges, and changing economic realities. Maintaining dialogue, trust, and people-to-people connections, he noted, will remain fundamental to building peaceful and prosperous international partnerships.
Concluding his address, Dr. Allen reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening relations with Nepal and expressed his desire to continue engaging closely with government institutions, the diplomatic community, academia, civil society, and the private sector during his future visits to Nepal.
Interactive Dialogue on Future Cooperation
Following the formal addresses, the programme continued with an engaging interactive dialogue between the Canadian delegation and participants from Ambassadors Club Nepal, IRGDD, Diplomat Nepal, and Diplomatic Academy Nepal.
The discussion focused on identifying new possibilities and strategic priorities for enhancing Nepal–Canada cooperation. Participants exchanged views on expanding collaboration in trade and investment, higher education, research, tourism, innovation, digital transformation, climate resilience, sustainable development, labour mobility, entrepreneurship, public policy, and cultural diplomacy.
The interaction also underscored the importance of strengthening government-to-government, institution-to-institution, business-to-business, and people-to-people engagement as essential pillars for advancing the bilateral relationship in the years ahead.
Honorary Membership Conferred
In recognition of his commitment to strengthening Nepal–Canada relations and promoting international friendship, H.E. Amb. Dr. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal conferred the prestigious Honorary Membership of Ambassadors Club Nepal upon H.E. Dr. Mark Allen, Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nepal.
The meeting concluded on a warm and optimistic note, reaffirming the shared commitment of Nepal and Canada to deepen cooperation, strengthen diplomatic engagement, and build an enduring partnership that contributes to the prosperity and well-being of the people of both nations.
