Kathmandu [Nepal], Sept 15 – Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said the government’s foreign policy will be guided by Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security and long-term national interests, while clarifying his controversial reference to the government not carrying “old baggage.”
Responding to questions in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Khanal said the phrase he used during his India visit was not a reference to Nepal’s history, national heritage, independence, sovereignty or past decisions taken to protect national interests.
The clarification came after MP Sita Thapaliya questioned what Khanal had meant by “old baggage” and which decisions of previous governments were being referred to. She specifically asked whether Nepal’s decision to incorporate Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura into its political map and Constitution was considered such “baggage.”
Khanal rejected that interpretation, saying Nepal’s political map incorporating the three areas, along with Parliament’s unanimous decision to amend the Constitution to endorse it, represented the shared national resolve of the Nepali people.
“This is our constitutional and sovereign document which cannot be viewed as a ‘burden’ in any context,” he said.
The Foreign Minister said safeguarding Nepal’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, autonomy, border security and national dignity was the paramount and continuing responsibility of any government.
Khanal also stressed the importance of Nepal’s relations with neighbouring and friendly countries, saying high-level visits can play an important role in further strengthening bilateral ties.
He said the government wants to take Nepal’s relations with neighbouring and friendly countries in a “transformative direction” based on mutual equality, respect, trust and economic partnership.
Khanal said the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are seeking to advance Nepal’s economic prosperity through clear, mature and result-oriented diplomacy with national interests remaining the central priority.
