Voting for Ukraine is not taking sides in the war: Minister Khadka

Kathmandu, Mar. 7

Minister for Foreign Affairs (FM) Dr. Narayan Khadka on Sunday said that taking side of Ukraine following the Russian invasion was not about taking sides in the war.

Speaking at the first media briefing since he assumed the post about five-and-a-half months ago on September 23, 2021, Dr. Khadka said that it was a step taken in favour of the sovereignty of a smaller nation.

"Russia's invasion of Ukraine was against the sovereignty of a nation and disturbed the world peace. Nepal's vote was against the invasion; it is not about joining the western alliance. It is as per the UN Charter and international treaties," he said.

Nepal, along with other 141 countries, had voted in favour of the United Nation (UN) resolution deploring Russia over the Ukraine invasion earlier this month. India and China had abstained from voting.

FM Dr. Khadka said that Nepal had reminded the ambassadors of the USA and China in Kathmandu regarding their country's statement about Nepal's MCC grant ratification.

533 Nepalis reach safe places

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed that 533 Nepalis had reached safer locations from Ukraine. About 50 Nepalis have permanently settled in that country.

Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Secretary, Bharat Raj Paudyal, said that a small human resource is tirelessly working on the field in Ukraine –  missions in the European Union, in New Delhi, and at MoFA in Kathmandu –  to take Nepalis in Ukraine to safety.  

He said that the government had a recent experience of successfully rescuing people from Afghanistan and that it was doing all it could to save Nepalis from imminent danger.

Trade with China

FM Dr. Khadka also said that the government was in talks with China to open trade points, to facilitate Nepali students studying in various educational institutions in China who are stuck in Nepal following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

"China is blocking the border citing COVID-19. However, we are making efforts and during my 1-hour-long telephone talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Yi, the issue was discussed in detail," he said.

Border disputes with China, if there is any, will be resolved through talks, he maintained.

Ambassadors' appointment delayed

Taking about recent developments, FM Dr. Khadka said that the appointment of ambassadors would be initiated soon. He also maintained that the efforts to balance the ruling alliance had delayed the envoys’ appointment programme.

"Appointment of the ambassadors is already delayed. We are for expediting the process," he said.

Similarly, dialogue would be held soon with the government of United Kingdom for equitable facilities to British Gurkha soldiers. The government had delegated the responsibility and power to Nepal's ambassador to the UK, Gyan Chandra Acharya. "We are hopeful that the problem would be resolved soon," said Dr. Khadka.

He also said that Nepal Investors' Manual was being prepared to provide information to the foreign investors. The government is organising Professor Yadu Nath Khanal Lecture Series as a regular platform to organise talks on global and national issues. Likewise, Sagarmatha Sambad will be organised, and the government has finalized the theme. The government has issued 80,458 e-passports as of now.

He hinted at some high-level exchanges soon but did not disclose the details. However, Dr. Khadka said that the prime minister, foreign minister and foreign secretary would participate in the upcoming 5^th BIMSTEC Summit. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 8 March 2022.