KATHMANDU: The Presidents of the Union of Asian Alpine Associations and the Korean Alpine Federation made official visits to the Nepal Mountaineering Association Secretariat in Nagpokhari, Naxal, where they were received with traditional ceremonies.

UAAA President Dr. In-Jeong Lee and KAF President Cho Jwa-Jin arrived at the NMA Secretariat to meet with NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa and senior leadership. The visitors were greeted with traditional NMA Khadas as a mark of respect.

During their visit, NMA presented Cho with a Letter of Congratulations on his recent election as KAF President, while Dr. Lee received a Letter of Appreciation for his ongoing support and contributions to Nepal's mountain tourism and NMA's development.

The visit highlighted the collaborative relationships between the three organisations. Dr. Lee, speaking during the meeting, expressed his deep connection to Nepal. "Nepal has always felt like home to me, and you are like my family," he said. "Nepal and NMA will always remain my home, and you will remain my friends for as long as I live."

KAF President Cho, on his visit, pledged continued cooperation. "Thank you for your warm hospitality. It is a great pleasure to be here and meet such remarkable personalities," he stated, committing to strengthening bilateral collaborations.

During discussions, NMA President Sherpa requested the visiting leaders' support in mobilising greater Asian participation for the 2026 International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation General Assembly, which Nepal will host. "Participation from Asian countries was very low during this year's UIAA GA in Peja, Kosovo," he noted.

The secretariat visit was attended by NMA's immediate past president, former presidents and representatives from allied organisations including the Expedition Operators' Association Nepal, Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal and Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal.