Luis Carlos, former deputy mayor of Spanish capital Madrid, once suggested that Lumbini needs to be developed as a center for mediation for people from different parts of the world. According to him, visit to Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha, could be a priceless experience. Khabarhub talked with Carlos about Kathmandu-Madrid relations, among other issues. Excerpts:

Nepal and Spain entered into diplomatic relations in 1968, and Nepal established its Embassy in Madrid in 2018. As the former Deputy Mayor of its capital city, how do you analyze the relations between the two countries?

Such types of relationships are still very rare and need to be taken forward in sectors of mutual interest such as tourism, management of natural parks, infrastructures (water, waste, among others), agro-food industry, etc.

Caceres and Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality signed an agreement to boost cooperation and exchange of knowledge. What is the current status?

The agreement has just been signed and now we need to focus on executing it to take the relationship forward.

Lumbini Garden Foundation organized a peace conference in the Extremadura Province of Spain. How do such events help to further strengthen bilateral ties?

Neither Spain nor Nepal are great powers. But both countries are integrated into powerful structures (the European Union and the Chinese and Indian economies). Neither of them is imperialist nor has been colonized in the past. The contribution to peace is an essential and continuous effort. Bringing together the best people from each country in this endeavor (in the International Center for Peace) that will be created in Cáceres with the University of Extremadura is a good start. Spain has been contributing to the EU budget for supporting Nepal.

Do you think it is necessary to develop some affinity between Madrid and Kathmandu?

I think it is not necessary. The relationship between the countries is already going to be provoked by the center of Extremadura, which is supported by the central governments of both countries. More than signing new agreements, it is necessary that the agreements reached in the past need are implemented with utmost sincerity.

What do you think should Nepal do to attract more Spanish tourists to this Himalayan country?

Nepal needs to participate in international tourism fairs (such as Fitur) that will return with force as soon as the pandemic ends. Furthermore, it should support Spanish climbers, and work professionally with specialized travel agencies.

How do the people of Madrid acknowledge Nepal and its capital city Kathmandu?

A very few Spaniards know Kathmandu. However, there is a natural sympathy for Nepal. We remember the devastating earthquake in 2015.

As the former deputyhttps://english.khabarhub.com/2021/23/179152/ Mayor of Madrid, what possibilities do you see to connect Madrid and Kathmandu?

The opening of the direct line of the Madrid-Delhi flight has improved connections between Kathmandu and Madrid. Possibly the New Lumbini International Airport will help improve the connection further.

Why do you think should people visit Madrid?

In fact, people should visit Madrid to enjoy the city’s culture, its gastronomy, its vitality, its monuments, its shopping and its wonderful climate (especially in spring and autumn).

Madrid is recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world. What makes this happen?

Interestingly, it is because of its size since one can walk almost anywhere in the city. More than that, the friendly and open character of the city’s inhabitants (many of its neighborhoods maintain a character like that of small towns), and a life that continues to be largely developed in the streets and in the parks make this city wonderful.

COVID-19 has not spared Madrid as well. What measures have you taken to mitigate the social and economic impact of the pandemic?

Most importantly, the respective governments need to speed up the vaccination of the entire population. Secondly, the aid to the companies that had to close when forced by the government and, finally, the effective and credible collaboration between the authorities and the citizens.

Do you have any long-term plans for investments to increase Madrid’s preparedness for future pandemics?

In addition to strengthening the national protection industry (so as not to depend on other countries again at critical times), supporting public services (especially health) is essential.