Ambassador of Việt Nam to Nepal Phạm Sanh Châu speaks at the ceremony. — VNS Photo Minh Thu

HÀ NỘI — Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli released a bilingual book titled Nepal: Peace Is at Hand in Hà Nội on Friday.

The book is written in Vietnamese and English by Most Venerable Huyền Diệu, who established An Việt Nam Phật Quốc Pagoda in Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It was the first Vietnamese pagoda to be built abroad.

As the book is about Nepal, it is expected to further publicise the country in Việt Nam and contribute to bilateral understanding and promoting Nepal as a tourist destination. The book reflects upon the conflict and peace process from Buddhist philosophical perspectives.

It is divided into two parts – the first part is in Vietnamese while the latter is in English.

During the book launch, Prime Minister Oli said the book would help inform foreign nationals, especially followers of Buddhism, about Lumbini and Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.

The Prime Minister stressed that Nepal was not only the birth place of Lord Buddha but also a foundation of Buddhism.

He expressed admiration for President Hồ Chí Minh and concern about the mutual understanding between two countries.

The book launch was held at the private museum of áo dài (traditional long dress) owned by designer Lan Hương.

“This ceremony is a proof of close friendship and a chance for further co-operation between Việt Nam and Nepal,” said Ambassador of Việt Nam to Nepal Phạm Sanh Châu. “The Prime Minister introduced the book and found out more about Vietnamese culture.”

The Prime Minister was on a State visit to Việt Nam and attended the United Nations Vesak Festival, which opened in Hà Nam Province on Sunday. — VNS