Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday held a joint meeting and interaction with ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions based in Kathmandu
During the interaction, he listened to their queries and responded to them openly.
The prime minister removed his glasses while engaging with the ambassadors, maintaining direct, eye-to-eye communication. While he wore glasses during the photo session, he chose not to use them during the discussion.
This is the first time that the Prime Minister has met members of the diplomatic community since he assumed office on March 27. This marks a departure from the past, when diplomats often had easy, direct access to the prime minister, frequently bypassing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassadors and mission chiefs from countries including India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, Qatar, Switzerland, France, Israel, Bangladesh, Germany, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, as well as representatives from the United Nations, were present on the occasion.
Congratulating Prime Minister Shah, the ambassadors and mission heads extended their best wishes for a successful tenure. They also expressed their commitment to supporting and cooperating with the Government of Nepal to deliver results in the interest of the Nepali people.
According to a foreign ministry official present at the program, discussions were also held on the government’s priorities and areas where diplomatic partners could extend assistance.
During the program, Prime Minister Shah reiterated Nepal’s balanced and pragmatic foreign policy. “Our external relations are guided by the goal of shared prosperity,” he said. “We express our sincere gratitude to all our partners and friends for their continued goodwill and support for Nepal’s development and prosperity.”
He said peace should remain a common priority and added that the safety and welfare of Nepali workers and the diaspora abroad are among the government’s top concerns. Since ongoing conflicts affect ordinary civilians the most, peace must remain our shared priority. I believe we are all in agreement on this and expect collective efforts in that direction,” Shah said. “I would like to thank all friends present here for their continued friendship and support to Nepal.”
The prime minister also reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to good governance, economic development, and improving the living standards of the Nepali people.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, the prime minister’s political adviser Asim Shah, Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, and other government officials were present at the program.
