KATHMANDU: Mike Harker, Chief of Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, said that Nepal and the United States share strong ties between their climbing communities.

Harker, who recently scaled Mt. Everest—becoming the first senior U.S. diplomat to reach the roof of the world—made the remarks while addressing the Top Rope & Lead Open Championship 2026 in Kathmandu. The event was organized by the Kathmandu Valley Special Committee of the Nepal Climbing Sport Association.

Photo Courtesy: US Embassy

In his speech, Harker highlighted the strong ties between the two countries' climbing communities, citing support from U.S. climbing companies, collaboration with American climbers, and expanding people-to-people connections. He also emphasized how climbing and outdoor recreation can create opportunities for entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, youth leadership, and economic growth, while opening new markets and connections for U.S. outdoor brands and expertise, according to a note issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu.

"From Nepal’s climbing walls to the world stage, a new generation of athletes is reaching higher," the diplomat observed.

Photo Courtesy: US Embassy

According to the organizers, the championship highlighted Nepal’s growing climbing community and the talent, discipline, resilience, and determination of youth athletes preparing to compete nationally, regionally, and internationally.

Athletes, coaches, volunteers, and organizers helped establish Nepal not only as the home of the world’s highest mountains but also as a rising center of climbing excellence.

"We look forward to strengthening U.S.-Nepal cooperation through sports, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity," the embassy added.