Our national interest must be collectively defined : FM

How to update Nepal’s foreign policy?

The foreign policy of Nepal should be based on the rights of people. Political parties, government officials as well as the Nepali society should have the same sort of vision, voice and performance in the field of foreign policy. This way, we can achieve national coherence and consensus among parties and leaders on how our foreign policy should be implemented.

You said the precondition is to strengthen the foreign ministry. How to achieve it?

This can be achieved in two ways. We have established a code of conduct. When our leaders or ministers want to meet foreign envoys or representatives of other nations, they must inform the foreign ministry. In the presence of our representatives, they can discuss bilateral, trilateral or multilateral issues. The foreign ministry, therefore, acts as a mediator. Secondly, within Nepal, our ministry acts as a coordinator between and among different ministries in matters related to foreign policy. We want to establish a single door to deal with foreign countries. Our national interest must be collectively defined in order to disseminate the same sort of information about Nepal to the rest of the world.

What are the difficulties and challenges to realize such a reform?

The main challenge is to have access to information, analyze it, draw conclusions, and finally implement solutions. Nepal cannot remain out of reach of other nations. We must be connected with the international arena. Within the foreign ministry, we need to update our approach, thinking about the technological, diplomatic as well as social transformations occurring across the world. Our staff must have knowledge of the language, the culture and the economy of countries we are dealing with. There are some challenges ahead, but I believe that life itself is a challenge. Without challenges, we cannot be proactive; this is the path to walk on, if we want to make Nepal a prosperous country.

(This interview was published by the 10th issue of APD Nepal in May 2014)