Govt should discuss foreign policy with opposition: UML

Kathmandu, Aug. 3

Chief of Foreign Affairs Department (FAD) of the CPN-UML and former Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali has said that the government must hold discussions on foreign policy and affairs with the opposition parties.

"There should be a uniform voice in the matters of foreign affairs. But the government has not formally talked with opposition regarding such matters," he said to the journalists at an interaction organised by the Department.

Stating that the country must be clear on the opportunities and risks of both the bilateral and multilateral relations, he said that Nepal must not have an inferiority complex on the international stage.

"But even in the parliament foreign affairs has received less priority," Gyawali expressed worries and said, "We are ready to engage with the government on pertinent public issues"

According to him, disputes between friendly nations must not hamper the bilateral cooperation. Likewise, the government and responsible ministers must exhibit utmost care while commenting on the issues of foreign affairs and cooperation.

"Statements like calling Nepal a 'buffer zone' are unexpected. We are talking about equidistance or equi-proximity, so comments on border issues and bilateral relations can weaken our stand at the negotiation table," said Gyawali.

Suggesting that engagement with India and China is fundamental for Nepal's foreign policy and activities, the country should expand its horizon to newer avenues as well. 

He also said that proper care should be given to institutional development and staffing and capacity development of diplomats so that they can exercise special instruments like economic and development diplomacy.

Gyawali criticised the government move to appoint ambassadors through open competition and said that competent professionals must be picked by the government based on the requirement of the job in a particular country.

Meanwhile, he said that detachment with young people is a matter of serious concern, and all political parties should engage in dialogues with youth.

Talking about the reforms in the CPN-UML, he said that the party's reform is a must. "We must understand change and adapt to the new scenario. But a person-centric debate makes no sense," he said. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 4 August 2026.