Media role vital for Nepal-Russia ties

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Dec 23: Charge D’affaires of the Embassy of Russian Federation in Nepal, Andrei Y. Kiselenko, has viewed that media role is vital in giving shape to people’s understanding about the Nepal Russia relations.

“The work of the media largely forms the overall background of Russian–Nepali relations and influences how our countries and peoples perceive one another,” said the Russian diplomat at an interaction with the journalists on Monday.

Deputy Chief of Mission, Kiselenko, urged the Nepali media community for honest reporting and analyses in relation to the role of Russia in global processes.

“We view the Nepali media community with respect and optimism. We firmly believe that a balanced, responsible, and professional approach to journalism is one of the fundamental pillars of a democratic society. Honest reporting, based on facts, plurality of opinions, and professional ethics, serves the interests of society as a whole and creates an environment of trust both domestically and in international relations. Bilateral relations undoubtedly benefit from such fair and conscientious journalistic work,” said the diplomat.

Full text of the speech

Dear representatives of the Nepali journalistic community,

Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, and on my own behalf, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your professionalism and fruitful cooperation with the Embassy throughout the outgoing year of 2025. We highly appreciate your contribution to shaping a balanced and thoughtful public discourse, as it is precisely the work of the media that largely forms the overall background of Russian–Nepali relations and influences how our countries and peoples perceive one another.

We view the Nepali media community with respect and optimism. We firmly believe that a balanced, responsible, and professional approach to journalism is one of the fundamental pillars of a democratic society. Honest reporting, based on facts, plurality of opinions, and professional ethics, serves the interests of society as a whole and creates an environment of trust both domestically and in international relations. Bilateral relations undoubtedly benefit from such fair and conscientious journalistic work.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the fact that in today’s world many journalists face increasing pressure, with attempts to silence independent voices and compel the media to serve the interests of narrow political or economic groups. Russia does not support such practices. We consistently advocate for genuine freedom of expression and for the right of journalists to work independently and responsibly, without external coercion or imposed narratives.

In this context, we hope that Nepali media will continue to strive for objective, balanced, and comprehensive coverage of events both within Nepal and on the international stage. For us, it is important that analyses of global processes reflect the real role of Russia, including through the prism of Russian–Nepali contacts, their historical foundations, current dynamics, and future potential.

We remain open to dialogue and are ready to continue providing information, clarifying our positions, and maintaining close professional contacts with representatives of the Nepali media. We are convinced that an honest and respectful exchange of information contributes to strengthening trust, mutual understanding, and friendship between our countries and peoples.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to our continued constructive cooperation.

Happy New Year!