Implementation of past agreements in priority

 PM Deuba's India Visit

Kathmandu, Aug. 7: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Monday said that during the upcoming India visit of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, priority would be given to the implementation of the past bilateral agreements signed with the southern neighbour.

Speaking at a press meet organised at the ministry, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara said that the government has intensified  dialogues with experts regarding the agenda to be taken up during the 5-day visit of India by PM Deuba between August 23 and 27.

He hinted that signing of new agreements was possible, but he did not disclose the areas of cooperation.

Commenting on the Doklam standoff, DPM Mahara said that Nepal always followed the policy of non-involvement, and would continue to do so.

“We want the issue to be resolved in a peaceful manner through dialogue and diplomacy. Nepal would like to clear that it will not take the side of the either party of the row,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to the DPM, Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Yang will arrive in Kathmandu on August 14 on a 4-day visit of Nepal.

“This is a high level visit from the northern neighbour, and it will be focused on development cooperation and post-quake reconstruction. The Chinese Vice-Premier will inaugurate the reconstruction of the Basantapur Durbar which was damaged in the earthquake in 2015,” said Mahara.

However, there will be discussions on bilateral agenda during the visit of Wang.

DPM Mahara declined the possibilities of talk on Doklam during the entourage of the Chinese Vice-Premier.

Wang will also meet President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, ministers and senior leaders of major political parties.

MoFA Action Plan Launched

DPM Mahara unveiled Immediate Action Plan of the MoFA.

“During my short tenure, which will be over on January 21 next year, I will try to hold meeting of bilateral mechanism with the friendly countries and find ways to furthering cooperation. Such mechanism will be created with the remaining countries,” he said.

Mahara has given top most priority to the economic diplomacy in his action plan and has announced to execute various reforms at the MoFA and Nepali missions abroad in order to enhance Nepal’s image in the international arena, and support to the prosperity of the country.

“To obtain maximum benefits from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), inter-ministry and inter-agency mechanism will be created. They will work on their respective sectors,” said the DPM.

The MoFA has planned to ask monthly reports from the Nepali missions abroad.