KATHMANDU: Education, Science and Sports Minister Sasmita Pokharel on Tuesday held talks with former Mongolian Prime Minister and President of the Mongolian Chess Federation, Gombojav Zandanshatar, at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports in Singha Durbar.
According to the minister’s secretariat, the meeting reviewed the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nepal and Mongolia and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, shared interests and broader cooperation.
The two sides also explored opportunities to promote chess in school education and expand collaboration in the field of sports.
During the meeting, Minister Pokharel highlighted the longstanding friendship between Nepal and Mongolia, noting their similar geographical characteristics and cultural affinities. He expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to deepen across multiple sectors.
The minister said Nepal is keen to work with the Mongolian government and the Mongolian Chess Federation to promote chess, particularly within the school education system. He added that Nepal is integrating sports more effectively into school education and that the ministry would take the necessary initiatives to facilitate cooperation between the Nepal Chess Federation and the Mongolian Chess Federation.
Zandanshatar said Nepal and Mongolia share a long history of diplomatic relations, similar geographical conditions and cultural characteristics, adding that both landlocked countries have many common experiences and opportunities for cooperation.
Describing chess as more than just a sport, he said it is an effective educational tool that helps develop critical thinking, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving skills and intellectual growth among students.
He noted that Mongolia has long collaborated with countries across South Asia and other parts of the world to integrate chess into school education and expressed Mongolia’s readiness to share its experience with Nepal.
Reaffirming Mongolia’s commitment to cooperation, Zandanshatar said the Mongolian government and the Mongolian Chess Federation are prepared to support Nepal in promoting chess in schools through collaboration with the Nepal Chess Federation.
