Kathmandu, Nov. 20
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Narayan Khadka, said that he had started consultation with the major political parties to have their inputs in the foreign policy of the country.
"We don't have a culture to consult with other political parties and experts while formulating foreign policy. However, I want to take it forward with consensus among the major political forces," he said while speaking at the programme organised by the Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS) at the Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur to launch its latest journal.
While foreign policy demands continuity and change at the same time, lack of national consensus on foreign policy and dealings has resulted in indifference on the part of neighbouring and friendly countries of Nepal, he said.
Dr. Khadka said that creating a balance in foreign policy and promoting national interest while the superpowers are in conflict with each other was the greatest challenge of the present time.
He suggested that there should be no debate on the national studies regarding the border encroachment and problems. “We must not enter into confrontational politics regarding the relations with neighbouring countries,” he maintained.
Commenting on the recent government reports about Chinese encroachment of Nepali territory in the north, FM Dr. Khadka said, "We have amicably resolved disputes and issues with the neighbours in the past and it will also be settled through dialogue."
Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that the relationship with China was problem-free but Nepal has largely failed to harness the benefits of this cordial relation.
He criticised the report that concluded Nepal and China had border issues and said that the government had given less priority to the relationship with China. "The government has proposed ambassadors for other neighbours including India but not China," he said.
Former Minister, Ram Karki, said that intellectuals should work to promote national interest.
"We need organic intellectuals who can create pressure on government, political parties and civil society about development and progress," he said.
He said that when there is a change in world politics and economy, countries should prepare strategy to tackle it and adapt to the changes.
Stating that the country must have a policy and priority on accepting foreign support, Karki said that no political party in Nepal has development strategy, they continue with what is being done.
CNAS faces resource crunch
Executive Director of CNAS, Mrigendra Bahadur Karki, said that the once-influencial think tank was facing economic and identity crisis.
It is run by only seven people and with no budgetary support from the government. Once it had 72 experts and staff and Rs. 100 million annual budget, he said.
Meanwhile, the institute has decided not to accept any funding from foreign countries and agencies on security, foreign policy and diplomacy.
CNAS aims at conducting a survey at the bordering 49 districts about the impact of the development the neighbouring countries made in their respective territories but failed to generate resource for this task.
"We had sent a proposal to the University Grants Commission (UGC) but it was ready to provide only Rs. 10 million which was meagre given the size of the study. Various foreign missions and INGOs had approached us with a pledge of support but we declined their proposal as per our policy of not accepting assistance on security, foreign policy and diplomacy," said Karki.
According to him, a plan indicating a need to develop universities' capacity and research bodies like CNAS is submitted to the government in which the government is suggested to assign or consult with the universities for the research the former wants or needs to carry out.
These agencies should be developed as think tank bodies, only then they will be able to support the government and other stakeholders in policy making and other areas, he said.
Prof. Shreedhar Khatri, foreign affairs expert, recommended CNAS to maintain objectivity, polity and continuity with journal publication.
"CNAS needs an immediate revival in order to contribute to the intellectual development on Nepali and regional issues," he said.
Meanwhile, FM Dr. Khadka pledged his support for the revival of the CNAS.
"It is very sad that CNAS is running short of budget and financial support to conduct research. It reflects our national character to disregard the think tank organisations," he said.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 November 2021.
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