Himal Press 
Photo: RSS
KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has stated that competence and experience were given special priority while recommending ambassadors.
Responding to questions raised by lawmakers in the meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee on Tuesday, Rana explained that the policy of appointing at least 50% of ambassadors from the foreign service has been continued this time to balance politics and professionalism in diplomatic appointments. “The government has also recommended names from outside the foreign service to maximize the use of expertise and experience from various sectors for the national interest,” she added.
Minister Rana also briefed the committee on the meetings and discussions held during her recent visit to India. She claimed that her India visit played a significant role in enhancing mutual goodwill between Nepal and India, as well as strengthening friendly, cooperative, multidimensional and close relations based on mutual equality and benefit.
During her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rana said discussions were held on further strengthening the friendly relations between Nepal and India and expanding existing cooperation on matters of mutual interest.
Rana described the bilateral meeting with her counterpart Dr S Jaishankar as important. She said they discussed wide range of issues from increasing cooperation in trade and transit, gradually increasing electricity exports from Nepal to India, and expanding cross-border connectivity. They also talked about promoting Indian investment in Nepal, initiating discussions on providing additional air entry routes for Nepal, and mobilizing relevant mechanisms to address flood and inundation problems, she added.
Prioritizing the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, constructing a cricket stadium in Fapla of Dhangadhi, and cooperating on border infrastructure construction and expansion were the other issues discussed during the meeting, Rana told the house committee.
