Foreign Minister Khanal Pledges Result-Oriented Economic Diplomacy

Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said the government will conduct effective and result-oriented economic diplomacy. Responding to questions raised on the ministry’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year in Thursday’s House of Representatives meeting, Minister Khanal said economic diplomacy would be focused on national prosperity and development. He said Nepal would work within the constitutional framework of international relations to contribute to sustainable development, mobilize support for climate change adaptation, support graduation from least developed country status, and promote exports, foreign investment, employment and tourism.

Minister Khanal said the government would also protect the rights and interests of the Nepali diaspora, coordinate development assistance with national priorities and systems, and focus Nepal’s international relations on fulfilling its global commitments. He said the government is working with priority toward good governance and economic prosperity while remaining committed to the Constitution, foreign policy and established norms of international relations. Khanal said Nepal’s foreign policy is guided by the United Nations Charter, non-alignment, the principles of Panchsheel, international law and world peace. He added that Nepal has been conducting an independent and balanced foreign policy based on these principles while keeping national interest at the center. He also said the Constitution provides policy guidance for reviewing past treaties and making agreements on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.