Kathmandu and Lhasa: A historic relationship more strengthened by recent aid

Kathmandu Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol has stated that the health supplies and equipment provided by Lhasa City during the global pandemic were used for the treatment of the general public. She shared this information during a meeting with a delegation led by Zhaxinkun, the Director of International Affairs of Lhasa City, who visited Kathmandu.

“Kathmandu’s informal relationship with Lhasa dates back to the beginning of human settlement in Kathmandu. The indigenous Newar community used to bring gold and other goods from Lhasa for trade,” she said. “The support we received during the COVID-19 pandemic, even when Lhasa was in crisis itself, allowed us to manage the situation and provide healthcare to our people. The benefits of the relationship between the two cities have reached the metropolitan level.”

Pradeep Pariyar, Chief Administrative Officer remarked that even though the languages are different, the sentiments are the same. The relationship between Lhasa and Kathmandu dates back to ancient times. During the meeting, the Head of International Affairs from Lhasa mentioned, “We want to make the formal relationship even closer and more close-knit than the informal one.” 

According to Deepak Adhikari, the Head of the Administration department, the sister city relationship between Kathmandu and Lhasa was established in September 2011. Since then, Lhasa has supported Kathmandu in various areas such as sanitation, beautification, and public health systems. There have been 10 visits to Kathmandu from Lhasa.

Representatives from Kathmandu Metropolitan City have also visited Lhasa to observe its urban development and management practices. During this visit, the delegation inspected hospitals where the health equipment provided by Lhasa was being used. They gathered information on the use of the equipment and the benefits it has brought to the public.