HoR Meeting: Economic Diplomacy, Promotion Of Soft Power In Priority

Kathmandu, June 18: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said economic diplomacy and promotion of soft power were prioritized by the government for the coming year.

In response to the lawmakers' queries relating to the budget allocation under heading of Foreign Ministry today, Minister Khanal reiterated, "Government is giving a special focus on economic diplomacy, promotion of soft power and effective mobilization of public diplomacy so that Nepal's image would be bolstered in the international arena."

Digitization and software upgrade in consular service would be an equal priority, according to him.

With firm commitment to the Constitution, foreign policy and established norms of international relations, the government is working actively to achieve good governance and economic prosperity, the Minister reminded, adding, “The Constitution has established the UN Charter, non-alignment, concept of the Panchashil, international law and the principle of world peace as the foundational principles of Nepal’s foreign policy. On the basis of these principles, an independent and balanced foreign policy is adopted, and it takes into account the supreme interests of the nation.”

According to him, there are 44 Nepali missions, 31 embassies, three permanent missions and 10 consulates general in various countries and cities at present. Nepal has so far established diplomatic relations with 183 countries, he shared before the HoR meeting.

The Ministry has received total budget of Rs. 8.73 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84.

The Minister further shared that the government reinforces bilateral relations by prioritizing visits, dialogues, and organizing regular meetings of the established mechanisms. It also promotes regional and international cooperation. The passport distribution will be made easy, fast, predictable and technology-friendly, he said, adding that buildings would be constructed for three foreign missions, and mobile camps related to passports and consular services run through the Passport Department, Consular Services Department and the missions.

The priority programmes as the Minister shared included the rescue of stranded workers through the missions; legal assistance, compensation and repatriation schemes; 'Lumbini Fellowship'; conduct of the 'International Dialogue Series' including the second edition of Sagarmatha Sambad; promotion of Nepal through the missions, including Sagarmatha Day/Wellness Day and Nepal's tourism, culture and Buddha Jayanti.

Minister Khanal argued that the activities carried out by the Foreign Ministry is sensitive. Foreign employment would be made more systematic, safe and dignified. Government extends assistance, rescue and recovery of bodies in case of death of Nepali citizen abroad.

Employer companies made responsible for emergency support to migrant workers

He also reminded the provision that makes the employer company obligatory to take necessary actions for the support in case of urgency to return home and to rescue in case of deaths of migrant workers. It however applies for those who received labour permit and opted for overseas jobs or those who have legally obtained labour permit from related Nepali missions abroad by September 30, 2024, the Minister explained.

Khanal made it clear that if it is impossible to bring the dead bodies back home through employer company on any condition, there is a provision for the Foreign Employment Board to release the budget for it.

The lawmakers were informed that related Nepali missions were already directed for necessary coordination for the rescue of and assistance to Ujjwal Kunwar of Dhading, who was allegedly held hostage in Cyprus, and to bring home the body of Dipak Dhami of Bajhang, who died in Japan. He said that Sharmila Darji, who had gone to Kuwait to work as a domestic help, was returned to Kathmandu on June 15 at the initiative of the Nepali Embassy, Kuwait.

Minister Khanal refuted the reports that there were hundreds of Nepali women in Kuwaiti jails. "At present, total 63 Nepali citizens are imprisoned in Kuwaiti on various charges, of which, seven are women." According to him, some 70 women rescued by the Nepali Embassy are in the process of returning to Nepal.

He claimed that following its formation, the government has been working untiringly by according much importance to foreign policy and international relations, and keeping in focus the promotion of national interests and the country's image. The Foreign Minister stated that the Ministry was performing its duties effectively within its jurisdiction and would continue doing so in the days ahead. The parliament would be shared the achievements gradually, Khanal stated.