Summary
- Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has urged Nepal’s foreign service to undergo timely reforms and prioritize economic diplomacy.
- Minister Khanal emphasized that foreign missions should not merely serve as administrative offices but become centers for investment and technology transfer.
- He highlighted the need for diplomatic astuteness to address global geopolitical shifts and challenges such as the climate crisis.
May 23, Kathmandu – Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has stressed the importance of reforming Nepal’s foreign service in a timely manner to focus on economic diplomacy.
Speaking at a ceremony on Sunday marking Foreign Service Day, he emphasized the need for results-oriented functioning of the ministry and foreign missions.
Minister Khanal commended the role played by former administrators and diplomats in safeguarding national sovereignty and interests despite limited resources and means.
He stated, “Foreign policy should reflect internal priorities. Rapid changes in global geopolitics, the climate crisis, and technological advancements require diplomatic prudence and strategic foresight.”
Khanal underlined that Nepal must not merely react to changes in the global environment but anticipate them and harness them in line with national interests.
“Our strategic focus must now center on economic diplomacy. We must move away from traditional methods to actively build international partnerships that promote foreign direct investment, tourism, technology transfer, and market access,” he said. “Foreign missions should transform from being mere administrative centers into hubs for investment and technology. The appointment of diplomatic staff will be based not only on authority but also on performance and accountability.”
He expressed commitment to establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the first line of national security and prosperity, assuring that service delivery will become technology-friendly and hassle-free.
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