Foreign Minister Khanal Pledges Balanced Diplomacy Centered on Sovereignty and National Interest

Kathmandu. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has expressed commitment to adopting balanced diplomacy by keeping Nepal's sovereignty, geographical integrity, and national interest at the center. He expressed this view while responding to questions raised by members of the National Assembly during the meeting on Tuesday regarding the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84's annual policy, program, and budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government aims to transform traditional diplomacy into economic diplomacy. Minister Khanal informed that special programs will be conducted to make Nepal an international destination for information technology, education, and health services, and to attract foreign investment in the energy and tourism sectors. Furthermore, a policy has been adopted to globally promote Nepali identity, culture, and products through the 'Brand Nepal' campaign.

The ministry has expedited the process of fully digitizing passport and consular services. Preparations are underway to establish a 'Diaspora Expert Network' and a 'Knowledge Bank' to connect the skills and capital of Nepalis living abroad with national development.

Similarly, Minister Khanal stated that for the first time, a separate budget has been allocated for the rescue of Nepalis stranded abroad. Speaking about relations with neighboring countries, Minister Khanal clarified that the government is committed to resolving border disputes with India through diplomatic dialogue based on historical treaties, agreements, and maps. He also provided information that problems seen in tea exports have been resolved and efforts are being made to further systematize and strengthen various trade routes with China.

Informing the parliament about Nepalis recruited into the Russian army, Minister Khanal clarified that the government's policy is not to grant permission for recruitment into foreign armies other than those with traditional agreements. He stated that so far, 131 Nepalis in the Russian army have died, 95 are missing, and 9 are in captivity in Ukraine.

He mentioned that a formal request has been made to the Russian government to provide compensation to the families of the deceased and to stop recruiting Nepalis into the army. The ministry's plan includes conducting programs such as the Lumbini Fellowship, International Dialogue Series, and Sagarmatha Dialogue to expand Nepal's 'soft power'.