RIYADH: In recognition of his exceptional efforts to promote relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia, Nepali President Ram Baran Yadav conferred the top honor of his government on Udaya Raj Pandey, Nepal’s ambassador to the Kingdom.

The prestigious medal known as “Suprabal Jana Seva Shri” was presented to Pandey at a ceremony in Katmandu recently.

In a brief interview on Tuesday, Ambassador Pandey said: “I am happy to receive the medal which recognizes my contributions to promoting relations between Saudi Arabia and Nepal.”

Describing Pandey as an outstanding diplomat with a wealth of experience, a statement released on this occasion said that “it was during Pandey’s current tenure that the Kingdom opened its diplomatic mission in Katmandu.”

“On the other hand, Nepal opened its consulate in Jeddah last year,” said the Nepali envoy, who is also credited with the repatriation of about 28,000 illegal Nepali workers during the last amnesty period announced by the Saudi government. Pandey, with the help of Saudi officials, also managed to legalize the status of about 7,000 Nepali workers.