Agenda for PM's India visit being worked out: Minister Saud

 Kathmandu, Apr. 28

Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud has said that a few and pertinent agendas would be taken during the upcoming India visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ so that they could be addressed and the visit could be fruitful.

Talking to The Rising Nepal daily at his office in the Singha Durbar on Friday, Minister Saud said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had already held a preliminary discussion regarding the agenda that would be discussed during the PM's visit to the southern neighbour.

"The MoFA has asked all concerned ministries to submit their recommendations and agenda to be addressed during the visit. We will prioritise the issues suggested by them and the urgent as well as representative ones will be given priority during the talks between the delegations of the two countries," said FM Saud. 

He said that the country would continue to base its foreign policy on the principles of 'Panchsheel' and that national interest would always be at the centre while exercising the policy.

"We have cordial and strong relations with both India and China. We have maintained better relations with all friendly countries," said the Minister, adding that foreign policy would be revised and reformed according to the demand of time and situation.

According to him, balance in foreign policy is a complex concept and process. Multiple indicators including geographical, cultural, people-to-people relations, trade and commerce and other exchanges show a balance of the relationship between the two countries, he said. "Foreign affairs is not mathematical, we need to compromise and push the policy and agenda as per the need for fulfilling the national interest," said Minister Saud.

In another context, the Minister said that preparations were underway for the smooth transition of the country to the status of a developing nation.

Nepal is graduating to the 'developing country' status in 2026 from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status which will result in losing various trade preferences Nepal is getting in the developed countries.   

"We need to make better preparations at home and abroad. The MoFA has hosted multiple programmes in Nepal and at international platforms in order to ensure a smooth transition during the upgrading of the country’s status," he said.

He also said that he was taking briefings from the high government officials including the heads of the departments at the ministry in order to get updates and progress made in diplomatic initiatives and foreign affairs.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 April 2023.