Foreign Minister Khadka for innovative foreign policy

KATHMANDU, Nov 20: Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka has stressed the need for an innovative foreign policy based on national consensus which pays heed to the changed context.

Speaking at a program organized by the Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS) under Tribhuvan University on Saturday, Minister Khadka said that foreign policy should be taken ahead in a strategic and balanced manner. "I'm active in devising such a foreign policy, keeping national interest in the center and paying attention to the changes in the global arena and geopolitical situations. It also adheres to the good practices the previous government adopted and consults the political leadership," he said, adding that the foreign policy should be taken ahead in a strategic and balanced manner as the powerful nations were competing in the world. 

The minister also opined that Nepal should be aware of how it could reap benefits from the progress in its neighborhood- China and India- by keeping national interest in the centre. "We should be able to treat all in an equal manner where the national interest lies," he underlined. The problems, if any with neighbors, could be resolved via diplomatic dealings rather than conflict, he mentioned. 

Moreover, he laid emphasis on ending the trend of giving priority to writings by foreigners rather than by the national figures. “The academic institutes like CNAS should be made resourceful,” he added.

On the occasion, former foreign minister and CPN UML leader Pradeep Gyawali said Nepal can move ahead, keeping national interest in the centre and maintaining harmonious relations with its neighbors and friends. How Nepal can benefit from emerging powers - China and India - should be a focus now, he reminded.

Similarly, former minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Ram Karki viewed the projects as MCC and BRI were dragged into controversy for not having integrated foreign strategy in Nepal. He wondered why the political parties failed to prepare a clear policy on development. 

The 11th series of Strategic Studies published by CNAS was released on the occasion. Established in 1984 at a time when the cold war was raging in the world, CNAS had published the series for a few years and postponed it after the 10th series. The 11th series was published this year after a gap of 35 years. 

The series has incorporated an interview of President Bidya Devi Bhandari, and research-oriented articles by foreign affairs experts Ananda Aditya, Gaurav Shumsher Thapa, Lalbabu Yadav, Chanda Dev Bhatta, Chinese lecturers as well as speech delivered by Chinese Ambassador during Nepal visit and photos captured during President Bhandari's foreign visits.

(With inputs from RSS)