Building Stronger Bonds: South Africa and Nepal Set Out to Strengthen Their Relationship

 South Africa’s High Commissioner, Professor Anil Sooklal, recently visited Nepal in a warm and meaningful trip that celebrated the strong relationship between the two countries. During his visit, he presented his diplomatic credentials to President Ram Chandra Paudel and laid out plans for closer cooperation in the years ahead — marking 30 years of formal diplomatic ties.

A Shared History of Solidarity

Prof. Sooklal highlighted Nepal’s strong support during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, recalling how Nepal served as Vice-Chair of the UN’s anti-apartheid committee for 25 years. “Nepal stood with us long before we gained democracy in 1994,” he said, expressing South Africa’s deep gratitude. This shared history of standing up for justice continues to shape how the two countries view each other today — as partners with similar goals and values.

A Roadmap for Closer Ties

The visit focused on expanding cooperation in several areas: trade and investment, education, tourism, and climate action. In talks with Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai — Nepal’s former ambassador to South Africa — both sides agreed to restart foreign office consultations by the end of this year.

Currently, trade between Nepal and South Africa is just around $2 million annually. Prof. Sooklal believes there’s significant untapped potential, especially in agriculture, mining, tourism, and green energy. South Africa’s experience in renewable energy and biodiversity could be valuable to Nepal’s sustainability goals.

Education, Visas, and People-to-People Links

While only a few Nepali students study in South Africa at present, both countries are interested in increasing academic exchanges. However, getting visas remains a challenge. Prof. Sooklal mentioned that steps are being taken to simplify the process — including the introduction of an online visa portal by September.

“We need to remove these obstacles so that students, tourists, and businesspeople can move more freely between our countries,” he said.

Learning from Each Other

South Africa’s experience with reconciliation after apartheid, guided by figures like Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, offers valuable lessons for countries like Nepal, which are also navigating complex democratic transitions.

“We’re always learning, but we’re also happy to share our story of building unity from a painful past,” Prof. Sooklal said.

A Local Bridge Between Nations

Honorary Consul Pradeep Kumar Shrestha has played a key role in growing Nepal–South Africa relations over the past 20 years. Prof. Sooklal praised his dedication, saying Shrestha has “flown the South African flag as high as Everest.”

Shrestha sees big opportunities in tourism and media exchange, proposing journalist and travel delegations to promote both countries to new audiences. “We’re at the top of the world, South Africa is at the tip of the continent — my job is to bring us closer,” he said.

Working Together on Global Issues

Both countries are active members of international groups like the UN, G77+China, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Commonwealth. They share a belief in a fairer global system where no country dominates another. Prof. Sooklal emphasized the need for a “multipolar world” that respects each nation’s right to choose its own path.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on his time in Nepal, Prof. Sooklal said, “We feel at home here. Even though we are far apart, our hearts are close. Now, it’s our responsibility to turn that closeness into stronger partnerships.”

With a foundation of shared history, respect, and mutual goals, Nepal and South Africa are now looking to build a future of meaningful cooperation — one that connects continents and helps shape a more balanced world.