KATHMANDU, June 24: Foreign Minister Pradip Kumar Gyawali has said that a policy has been adopted to include economic diplomacy in the center point of the overall diplomacy of the country.

Responding to queries raised during deliberation under the Appropriation Bill, 2076 at the House of Representatives today, he expressed the confidence that the economic diplomacy would help promote national interest. Even though the entire world is going through a fragile state, Nepal will move ahead with an independent, non-aligned, neutral and friendly foreign policy, he said.

On a different note, Minister Gyawali said in BIMSTEC the chair can organize the summit but not under SAARC, which has halted the summit. However, preparations to hold the SAARC summit will continue.

Stating that there was a clear standard for appointment of ambassadors, the Foreign Minister said the process of appointing at least 50 percent of the ambassadors from the foreign service was enforced.

He also shared that the Sagarmatha dialogue will comprise talks on matters of bilateral concern, the indigenous peace process, climate change, inclusive democracy among others. The Ministry is aware of the latest developments in the Gulf countries and is in regular contact with the diplomatic missions there, he added.

Foreign Minister Gyawali informed the lawmakers that the government was going to draft a new bill related to Non-resident Nepalis. He made it clear that no foreign aid was accepted against national interests. MPs Dila Sangraula, Ram Bahadur Bista, Dibya Mani Rajbhandari, Pramila Rai and Renuka Gurung had put forth their queries before the Foreign Minister.

 
• saarc
 
• preparation
 
• summit