Switzerland and Nepal enjoy excellent, long-standing relations. Switzerland has a good reputation in Nepal thanks to its decades of work in development cooperation, which is also the focus of Swiss–Nepali bilateral relations.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Nepal
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Nepal have existed since 1956 and Switzerland enjoys a good reputation in Nepal thanks to its development cooperation activities over the decades.
Switzerland and Nepal have signed three bilateral agreements: on technical cooperation (1972), regular political consultations (2015) and accompanying persons (2019).
Economic cooperation
In 2018, Swiss exports to Nepal amounted to CHF 78.5 million and consisted mainly of precious metals and pharmaceutical products. Imports from Nepal – mainly textiles and clothing – amounted to CHF 9.7 million.
Peacebuilding and human security
In Nepal, Switzerland is helping to establish inclusive state structures that guarantee long-term prosperity and democratic principles, and that operate effectively at the national and local levels. In prioritising human security, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, Switzerland is contributing to the fight against violence, discrimination and impunity in Nepal.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
2019 marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral development cooperation between Switzerland and Nepal. Today, Nepal remains one of the priority countries of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Switzerland remains highly respected by the government of Nepal and its development cooperation partners for its substantial contributions to sectoral development in local governance, rural infrastructure, natural resource management, skills development, employment, migration, human rights, gender equality and social inclusion.
Swiss nationals in Nepal
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, 101 Swiss nationals (including 37 dual nationals) were living in Nepal at the end of 2018.
History of bilateral relations
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Nepal in 1956, the two countries have maintained a close partnership in the field of development cooperation. Nepal has been a priority country for Swiss development cooperation since 1963.
Following the Maoist insurgency in 1996, Switzerland restructured its programme and supported initiatives aimed at a political settlement of the conflict. Switzerland's efforts focus on local governance, rural infrastructure, natural resource management, migration, human rights, gender equality and integration.
In 1999, Nepal opened an embassy in Geneva; Switzerland opened an embassy in Nepal in 2009.
