Nepal’s new government focuses on foreign policy after protests
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In Nepal, young people protested for good governance and corruption control for a year, after which a new government formed with the National Independence Party gaining significant representation in the House of Representatives.
The current government, led by Raswapa senior leader Balendra Shah, prioritizes establishing good governance, ending corruption, and creating employment within the country. In the past year, the government has worked to make Nepal’s foreign policy more effective, expanding diplomatic reach and focusing on prosperity and good governance.
The government now requires that high-ranking officials obtain clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before meeting with foreign diplomats, emphasizing a “national interest” focused diplomacy and ending past practices where ambassadors directly met with the Prime Minister and other officials. Shishir Khanal, the foreign department head of Raswapa, currently leads the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is working to implement an effective foreign policy alongside other public works.
Nepal is attempting to build new relationships with both India and China. Foreign Minister Khanal visited both countries to share the current government’s priorities and Nepal’s renewed stance. He explained that Nepal’s foreign policy is based on the principles of the UN Charter, non-alignment, Panchsheel, peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, and mutual respect. The government has also signed agreements allowing Portugal to establish a consular office in Kathmandu and has held bilateral meetings with Australia and Canada to strengthen ties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also coordinated with China on a school construction project and provided updates to diplomatic missions regarding recent floods and disaster relief efforts.
