Nepal Foreign Affairs (KATHMANDU, June 21) :
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mahendra Bahadur Pandey said that Nepal has given top priority to her relations with China and India.
While releasing a book entitled ‘Geostrategic Challenges to Nepal’s Foreign Policy and Way Forward” published by the Kathmandu School of Law (KSL), on Saturday, the foreign minister applauded India and China’s prompt rescue operations in the aftermath of the devastating 25 April 7.9 magnitude earthquake.
“We maintain friendship and goodwill with all foreign countries but our relations with neighboring China and India remains in the priority,” Minister Pandey said.
He thanked to KSL for publishing such an important book and expressed confidence that it will significantly contribute the Nepal government and other concern stakeholders to formulate foreign policy in line with the international standards.
During the program, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, said Chinese government launched a successful operation which was the Chinese side ever made in the past in foreign countries during such tragedy. He thanked the foreign minister for good coordination and support to the Nepal government during Chinese rescue operation in Nepal.
”We worked very hard during the quake. I personally reached the Army Headquarters and later on had a meeting with the Chief Secretary Leela Mani Paudyal and government secretaries within the two hours of devastating earthquake and took stock of the situation,” he said.
Highlighting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to China, Ambassador Wu said that the visit was proved successful in terms of enhancing trilateral cooperation.
“Nepal is our best friend, “Ambassador said adding “We will continue our support in Nepal’s reconstruction, prosperity and socio-economic development,” the ambassador said.
Stating that China has given top priority to her relationship with neighboring countries, the Chinese Ambassador said the neighbors could be more connected through the Silk Road and Maritime Silk Route proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. “The Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AAIB) has been established with the main sponsorship of China. China believes that it would help for economic prosperity and development in the World,” he viewed.
In their articles, professors, seasoned diplomats and foreign affairs experts have highlighted the historical facets of Nepal’s geopolitical situations, current challenges and need of trilateral cooperation among China-India-Nepal.
Former Attorney General and senior advocate Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula and Assistant Professor at KSL, Rohit Karki, have edited the book. Dr. Sangraula said that at a time when Nepal was passing through the toughest time of history during earthquake, it should take a move with much sensitivity and with confidence.
”Nepal government should raise voice against World Food Program for distributing rotten rice to the earthquake-hit people.”
Assistant Professor of KSL, Pranab Kharel commented on the book.