Wednesday, September 21, 2005

My heart fills with concern hearing news of any social and political insecurity in Nepal

Mr. Lee In-jeong, Honorary Consul General of Nepal in Korea

Thirty years have passed since Korea-Nepal relations were established on May 15th 1974. The first agreements between the two nations were established in the form of a trade agreement in May of 1971. After the normalization of relations in 1974, Korea and Nepal have gone on to establish a mutual aviation agreement in February of 1988, the EDCF Basic Agreement in September 1997 and the Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty in October 2001. Along with the developments of inter-governmental relations, we are also witnessing enhanced exchanges of people between our two nations. Currently there are around 5000 Nepalese workers who are active in various industries of Korea.

Nepal has established relations with both North and South Korea. It is a nation of admiration and yearning for alpinists around the world. Also, we in Korea feel a special affinity for the Nepalese people, not only because we are all Asian but also as we share many common cultural traits including traditions, lifestyles and food.

My first visit to Nepal was in 1976, but since then I have made more than 50 visits to the country, including the visit in 1980 as the leader of the Korean climbing party to Manashlu. Nepal has become an important part of my life and through my 2-3 trips per year to the country, I have met many friends in the country from the alpinist, art and entertainment and political circles. Earlier this year, I took a Jindo dog, an indigenous breed of Korean dogs, to the Korean Embassy in Nepal. I heard it was growing and adapting well to Nepal and I was very happy to hear the news. And I also received a black Nepalese indigenous dog from the Ambassador of Nepal in Korea. Every time I see the dog, I am reminded of Nepal. Nepal is a special place for me, especially since I have an adopted son Vinod Rana who is a Nepalese.

Since 2003, I have been honored to take on the role of honorary consul for the Embassy of Nepal, acting as a representative for the promotion of rights and benefits of Nepalese residents in Korea. My other role is to contribute to promoting the relations with the Korean government. However, my heart fills with concern when hearing news of any social and political insecurity in Nepal.

My biggest hope is that all these problems can be resolved in the near future so that Nepal can go back to being the beautiful peaceful place that I remember it to be.

Every year, I host a party for Nepalese workers: at the auditorium of Shin Heung University located at the foot of Dobong Mountain in Seoul. We invite singers from Nepal and everyone enjoys the music and fun. The laughter, fun and camaraderie felt at those occasions makes my heart feel even more close to Nepal.

Many young alpinists in Korea dream of climbing up the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas. They strive to make that dream come true. Nepal is not only a place for climbing, it is a country that gives Korean youth the spirit of challenge, the mind of a pioneer, giving the hope of going further than the present. Korea doesn't have mountains higher than 2000 meters. But by their experiences in the Himalayas in Nepal, there are many Korean alpinists who have achieved their dreams. And in the process, there were also many friends and colleagues who we have lost in the Himalayas.

I wish for the future well being and prosperity of the people of Nepal as well as of those Koreans visiting and residing in Nepal.

Courtesy: Look Nepal, 2004 issue-ed