Shrestha for balanced relations with India, China, US

KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Center) leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha has begun his second stint as the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Shrestha, who had been serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, was sworn in as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs on Wednesday evening. He had first assumed the office at the foreign ministry in the government of Dr Baburam Bhattarai. However, his tenure lasted for only 10 months.

Despite his short tenure, Shrestha managed to make some positive impacts on Nepal’s foreign relations. Although he had some differences with then Prime Minister, he fulfilled his responsibilities well. During his tenure, Shrestha issued a diplomatic code of conduct requiring Nepali leaders and officials to meet foreign guests only through the foreign ministry. He also made efforts to prevent employees or other leaders from disregarding protocol for visiting foreigners.

He gave priority to individuals with experience in foreign affairs and had achieved good results for ambassadorial positions. It was Shrestha who recommended Shankar Das Bairagi, who was the deputy chief of mission in New York, to be Nepal’s ambassador in Geneva, stating that the person who would be the foreign secretary should also be an ambassador. Bairagi was almost certain to become foreign secretary at that time. Shrestha stated that it would be difficult to improve bilateral relations if the foreign secretary didn’t have ambassadorial experience.

Shrestha, who is aware of the influence of foreigners in the army, armed forces, and police, said that he would work to address the issue. He has a good understanding not only of India and China but also of the West. While assuming office in the ministry on Wednesday evening, Shrestha said he has returned to the foreign ministry to work for the welfare of the country. “It is necessary to work honestly,” he told foreign ministry officials. He instructed officials to keep in mind the geopolitical situation while performing their responsibilities.

Secretary Sewa Lamsal and joint secretaries welcomed Shrestha to the ministry.

On the occasion, Shrestha outlined four priorities of the new government. “Completing remaining tasks of the peace process, expediting the development process, promotion of national interests and the development of relations are the main priorities,” he added.

Shrestha said that he would play an effective role in balancing the relations with India, China, and the US. “There is a need to pay attention to the situation of SAARC and BIMSTEC as well,” he added.

Shrestha said that his focus would be on the adoption of an independent foreign policy by keeping the national interest first. “The main goal of the government is to uphold national interests by promoting the values of non-alignment,” he said. “Adopting an independent foreign policy is possible only with diplomatic efficiency and diligence,” he added.

Shrestha also emphasized the need to elevate relations with the two neighboring countries to a higher level. He also added that the ministry will give priority to economic diplomacy to make a leap in social and economic transformation. He also said the government will encourage non-resident Nepalis to mobilize their physical and intellectual assets for the development of the country.

Shrestha also said that the Institute of Foreign Affairs needs to be developed into a regional-level think tank. Likewise, he added that the government will accept foreign aid only if it is conducive to the national interest. “Our efforts will be in bringing such assistance to Nepal’s budgetary system without compromising national interests,” he added.