By: Meza H.R. No. 176 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The United States and Nepal have enjoyed a strong and productive friendship for 75 years; and WHEREAS, On April 25, 1947, the U.S. became the second country to establish diplomatic relations with Nepal; Nepal opened its embassy in Washington, D.C., in 1958, and the American Embassy in Kathmandu began operations the following year; and WHEREAS, Many Americans and Nepalis have formed people-to-people connections through educational and cultural exchanges; in 2018, Nepal ranked among the top 12 sources of overseas students in the U.S., and the number of Americans studying in Nepal has increased as well; the beauty and cultural wealth of Nepal have drawn people from all over the world to the country, and Americans are a major contributor to its vibrant tourist industry; the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation has invested nearly $4 million over the past two decades in 25 projects in Nepal; and WHEREAS, For generations, the United States and Nepal have worked together in behalf of shared goals and democratic values, and the bonds of friendship continue to strengthen with the passing of the years; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Nepal.