Kathmandu, Apr. 7
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that Nepal will adopt neutral stance on regional and international issues, including the relations with India and China.
"We are not pro-Beijing or pro-Delhi
but follow the philosophy of 'Friendship with all, enmity with none'. So, we
should propagate peace in time of conflict between or among our neighbours,"
said PM Oli while addressing the inaugural session of the 'Himalayan Dialogue'
organised by Foreign Affairs Media in Kathmandu on Monday.
According to him, neutrality is the best
way and Nepal will not join any military alliance.
PM Oli also stated that the geopolitical
issues shouldn't be used to cover one's weakness.
"But we must not make any mistakes in
geopolitical issues. Relevant issues should be raised at the relevant regional
and global platforms in order to find solutions," he maintained. "It's
a delicate element, so it must be handled carefully."
PM Oli stressed that in a world where
ideals are weakening and selfish interests are taking precedence, Nepal must
contribute from its side to global peace and humanitarian interests while
keeping national interests in mind.
"We should not use geopolitics as an
excuse to cover our own weaknesses and highlighted the need to move forward
with national interest in mind while being geopolitically aware," he said.
According to him, it doesn’t mean
abandoning just national interests and principles tied to international
accountability. "We should not engage in flip-flop politics aimed at
favouring one neighbour more than another. We do not join any military
alliances. We are on the side of peace,” he said.
NC-UML alliance for prosperity
Prime Minister Oli said that alliance
between the two largest competitors, Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), is the
biggest step towards the effort in fulfilling the national need and interest
for development and prosperity.
"Cooperation has gained importance
instead of competition," said PM Oli while adding that the country needs
to stand firmly on our policies of international engagement and affairs.
Meanwhile, referring to the ongoing
teachers' protests, he said that there is no need of protest to get valid
demands fulfilled. "I have suggested the teachers to come forward to the
government with their pertinent demands. I will take necessary steps to address
their concerns through dialogue," he said.
Likewise, making comments
on the recent political developments, PM Oli said that coming
to Parliament after taking an oath under the constitution and then declaring refusal
to accept it is a sign of a severe lack of integrity.
He added that this shows the transitional
period in Nepal is likely to prolong. “There’s always a tendency to go along
with the gust of wind. If people come forward with genuine demands, we are
ready to listen. No one needs to suffer on the streets,” he added.
Pursue multi-engagement strategy
Speaking on the occasion, former Foreign
Secretary and ambassador Madhu Raman Acharya said that Nepal must pursue
multi-engagement strategies to seize opportunities. He emphasised that the
country should not remain dependent on a limited number of nations. Rather than
fearing geopolitical tensions, he argued, Nepal should shape its foreign policy
according to its own interests.
“There is potential to benefit from the
lower tariffs the United States is offering Nepal. In the past, Nepal was able
to increase palm oil exports to India due to India’s tax policies. Now, the
U.S. offers a similar opportunity through reduced tariffs,” said Acharya.
“However, opportunities don’t present themselves automatically—they must be
seized in time. That’s why it’s crucial to act promptly and strategically.”
Former Finance and Foreign Minister, Dr.
Prakash Sharan Mahat, said that national consensus and national commitment is
needed to define, process and attain the national interest and work at the
international level to realise it.
According to former
Defense Minister and leader of the Nepali Congress, Dr. Minendra Rijal, biased
discussions on the issues like Millennium Challenge Corporation's project in
Nepal, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and PM's visit to India will do more harm
to the country and its international affairs.
Chief advisor to Prime
Minister Oli and Deputy General Secretary of the CPN (UML), Bishnu Rimal, said
that the world is moving down from unipolar but has not yet become bi-polar
which has created tussles and confusions at the global level.
"Global
aspirations of China and India have been drastically going up which can play as
the motivators of realignment," he stated.
Needs for economic
diplomacy
Similarly, Chandra
Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and
Industries (FNCCI) said that private sector wants the government to implement
programmes and initiatives to expand the market, enhance branding of Nepali products
and boost export.
"However, we are
ever ready for advocacy to attract investment, tourists and create market for
Nepali products. But the government must support us by approving such
advocacies. It will enhance the credibility of Nepali private sector," he
said.
Dhakal suggested the
government enhance budget and activities in the areas of economic diplomacy.
Gopal Khanal, Chairman of Foreign Affairs
Media, said that political parties need to develop a uniform foreign policy in
the rapidly changing international order. "The fulcrum of global economy
and power is shifting to the east and south. Nepal needs to be prepared to benefit
from the new order," he said.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 8 April 2025.
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