The event was a major part of ´street actions´ held in Kapellplatz, Luzerne, that featured, among other things, exhibition of a model suspension bridge as well as Nepali culture and cuisine, according to a press statement issued by Nepali Embassy in Geneva. [break]The year 2012 marks the building of 5,000th suspension bridge in Nepal with SDC´s assistance.
Addressing the function, Nepali ambassador to Switzerland Shanker Bairagi highlighted various aspects of Nepal-Swiss relations, including people-to-people relations, and the importance of Swiss development cooperation in Nepal. “In celebrating this unique event, we must genuinely reflect on how helpful these bridges have been for many hardworking people in Nepal where mountains and hills constitute 80% of the landmass,” he said.
While thanking Switzerland for the continued support, Ambassador Bairagi added that the Swiss assistance in the rural development works in Nepal had helped generate jobs, develop skills and empower people at local level.
Speaking on the occasion, the SDC Deputy Director, Ambassador Maya Tissafi, highlighted the way suspension bridges had made life easy by ensuring safety, providing easy access to schools and hospitals and enhancing food security.
Likewise, Canton President, Trix Dettling, and President of Helvetas, Elmar Ledergerber, also highlighted the importance of development works Switzerland has been involved in around the world.
Members of Swiss Nepal Society and the Non Resident Nepalese Association Switzerland as well as Nepalese living in Switzerland were also present at the function.
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