Kathmandu, June 30: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, asserted that the incumbent government has laid a special emphasis on effective and results-oriented development diplomacy.
Minister Khanal said so while addressing the 5th edition of The Yadunath Khanal Lecture Series organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs here on Monday.
The theme for this year’s lecture edition was-‘Nepal’s Foreign Policy: Navigating Geopolitical and Geo-economics Trends’.
Stating that the diplomacy must directly contribute to Nepal’s economic transformation mission, Khanal mentioned that Nepal’s diplomatic missions abroad were increasingly being oriented towards economic diplomacy, trade promotion, investment, tourism, technology partnerships and expanding market access.
Delivering the speech, he reiterated, “Our foreign missions are gradually becoming more oriented towards economic diplomacy, trade promotion, investment, tourism, technology partnerships and market access.”
He was of the view that the foreign policy should ultimately serve the welfare, aspiration and prosperity of our people.
Highlighting the evolving global landscape, Minister Khanal observed that the competition among major powers is intensifying, and added that economic instruments, supply chains and strategic infrastructure were increasingly influencing international relations.
He noted, “Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy, are reshaping the global distribution of power and opportunities.”
According to him, for countries like Nepal, such changes posed both challenges and opportunities.
He further said that the multilateral system that has long provided an important safeguard is facing growing strain at present. “Yet, new avenues for cooperation, connectivity and technology and economic partnership are also emerging,” he observed.
Amidst this, he urged, “Nepal must navigate this changing environment with clarity, confidence and prudence.”
In this context, the Minister underscored the need for Nepal’s foreign policy to adapt to evolving realities while remaining firmly grounded in national interests.
Speaking on Nepal’s foreign policy principles, Foreign Affairs Minister Khanal reiterated Nepal’s firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, the principles of Panchasheel, non-alignment and peaceful co-existence.
He went on to say that these principles continue to provide the foundation of the country’s external relations.
Furthermore, he asserted that the non-alignment should not be understood as passivity or isolation, but rather as active engagement, sound judgment and ability to assess international developments from the perspective of Nepal’s national interests as put forth by late Prof Yadnunath Khanal.
Echoing the intellectual legacy of late Prof Khanal, a career diplomat who had served as the ambassador to India, China and the USA, he referenced late Prof Khanal as saying that foreign policy is also inseparable from our domestic realities and diplomacy derives its credibility through political stability and visible economic progress.
Stating that Nepalis are increasingly expecting greater opportunities, development and prosperity, the Foreign Minister said that the foreign policy must aptly respond to these national aspirations.
In this context, he articulated government’s priorities such as good-governance and rapid economic growth. “Young people, in particular, expect results, opportunities and accountable institutions,” the youth Minister said, reflecting the aspiration of the youths in the country.
Regarding geo-politics, the Minister said that geopolitics is an enduring reality of Nepal. He, however, suggested that we should avoid viewing every issue exclusively through a geopolitics lens.
“Excessive caution or narrow interpretation sometimes narrow our ability to pursue legitimate opportunity for growth and cooperation,” he cautioned.
In an interconnected world, he suggested geography should not be seen merely as a constraint. “Properly understood, it can serve as a bridge connecting ideas, markets, people and opportunities,” he remarked.
According to him, Nepal’s geographical location offers wide pool of opportunities for connective trade investment and regional cooperation.
The Minister stated that this perspective has driven our recent diplomatic engagements with our neighbours.
Recalling his recent visits to India and China, he stated, “Our discussions focused on practical cooperation and mutually beneficial partnership.” Our diplomacy seeks balanced and constructive engagement to advance our national interest while maintaining friendly relations with all countries.
As for Nepali diaspora, the Minister articulated that that protection of Nepali citizens abroad remains among the government’s foremost responsibilities.
“Millions of Nepalis live and work overseas contributing to economy of their host country while also supporting to Nepal’s economy and society. Their safety and dignity and welfare are of utmost priority of our foreign policy,” the Minister mentioned.
The lecture series, the Ministry’s flagship programmme initiated in the name of late Khanal, is being organized annually since its inception in 2022 to foster insightful deliberations on Nepal’s foreign policy and external relations and to promote thoughtful discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the country in a changing global landscape.
During the event, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai delivered the keynote speech on the opportunities and constraints of Nepal’s foreign policy amid changing geopolitical and geo-economics dynamics.
The event was attended by former diplomats, Ministry’s officials and distinguished personalities from various professions. #nepal #rss
