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Güner Ureya is the first Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh. He is also mandated to look after Nepal, though Kosovo and Nepal are yet to establish a formal diplomatic relationship. Kamal Dev Bhattarai of ApEx spoke with him during his recent Nepal visit. 

What is the status of Kosovo’s relation with South Asian countries?

As the first Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, I followed the developments and general trends in other South Asian countries as well. I would like to emphasize that we are satisfied with our cordial relations with all South Asian countries that have so far recognized Kosovo. I’m following the remaining part of the region, including Nepal. I can say that we have the potential to develop official relations with Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. General developments in South Asian countries in recent years have drawn our attention. 

The cultural diversity and richness, but also the overall potential of South Asian countries with a population of around 1.9bn, are worth exploring more. Unfortunately, we as Kosovo do not have G2G and diplomatic relations with four South Asian nations, I mean with Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Especially in the Indian position, I saw the traces of the versions fabricated by our neighbor Serbia. We need to better explain to Indians about Serbia’s hegemonic policies and atrocities in former Yugoslavia, especially in Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, so they can understand us better. Another non-recognizer of Kosovo in South Asia is Nepal. I witnessed that Nepalis are very friendly to us, maybe because of similarities we have. On the other hand, our relationship with Sri Lanka is very similar to that of Nepal. I also tried to follow Colombo’s official position on us. Sri Lanka is open to communication, but unfortunately has not yet officially recognized Kosovo. Beside Kathmandu, New Delhi and Colombo, we always anticipate positive news from Thimphu as well.

How do you see the current state of Nepal-Kosovo relationship?

Nepal has yet to officially recognize the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, and the two nations do not have diplomatic ties. This suggests that the foundation for establishing formal diplomatic ties between the two nations has not yet been laid. Additionally, it means that the conditions remain limited for institutional cooperation and for having different win-win situations. It’s essential to note that, with a positive mindset from both sides, the landscape can change, and Kosovo-Nepal relations can evolve over time. So it is possible but it is also expected that Nepal will recognize Kosovo in the near future. So far, people-to-people contacts and cooperation between the civil societies of the two countries are more successful than our corporate initiatives. Regrettably, the current level of trade cooperation between the two countries is quite limited, but if we establish formal bilateral relations, it would naturally bring new prospects and opportunities for negotiating and implementing bilateral agreements across various sectors and collaborating on international platforms. 

The existence of these official relations would also shape public perceptions, fostering increased interest and closeness between the people, companies, artists, sports clubs, and other social entities, which is why we attach great importance to gaining recognition from Nepal and establishing diplomatic ties with your country. 

What are the areas of cooperation between Nepal and Kosovo?

To clarify, as an independent country, the Republic of Kosovo is actively seeking to enhance cooperation with reliable partners. There are significant opportunities for collaboration between Kosovo and Nepal. For instance, consider the case of Bangladesh, a South Asian nation, which recognized Kosovo a few years ago, and we have since developed a close and friendly relationship with them. Similarly, we aim to establish a similar bond with Nepal. The potential for cooperation extends to various sectors, including education, economy, and particularly agriculture. As a relatively new country, we have achieved notable success in sports, and we are keen to share our experiences with Nepal in this regard. 

To that end, we are persistently working to tell our narratives to Nepal. We want to convey that Kosovars share a deep love for peace, that we have a vibrant population with the youngest median age in Europe, and that there is ample room for us to develop both bilateral relations and collaborate on international platforms. Up to this point, individuals from civil society have played a crucial role in promoting our relationship. On the flip side, Kosovar companies have begun to recruit labor from South Asian countries, including Nepal, and they have expressed satisfaction with the overall performance and humanitarian behavior of Nepali employees.

Nepal is delaying to recognize Kosovo, what could be the reasons?

It's never too late. I hope recognition comes soon. Throughout my tenure of four years in South Asia, I have also tried to follow Kathmandu’s political position on us. I witnessed that Nepalese are very friendly to us. Kathmandu is open for communication. Unfortunately, it has yet to extend official recognition to the Republic of Kosovo's independence. As I’ve become more acquainted with Nepal over time, I’ve come to appreciate it as the homeland of friendly, proud, and respectful people. Nepalese individuals, in general, tend to approach decisions with care and caution but always exude friendliness, a positive aura, and a warm smile. 

Similar to Nepal, some other countries initially hesitated to recognize independence of Kosovo, but with time, they realized that recognizing the Republic of Kosovo was the right course of action. This recognition holds significance for peace and stability in the Balkan Peninsula, or, in other words, in Southeast Europe. The independence of the Republic of Kosovo rectified historical injustices, put an end to Serbian occupation, and brought peace and freedom to its people. We are aware that Serbia, a country with which we had fought for our freedom and still have disputes, employs various tactics and unfounded arguments to weaken Kosovo's international position. 

To put it briefly, Nepal is an independent, sovereign, free and egalitarian country, so it determines its foreign policy preferences. We all know that countries have their own set of priorities. Our hope is that Nepal officially recognizes Kosovo as soon as possible.

What are the similarities and differences between Nepal and Kosovo?

Nepal and Kosovo, two geographically distant countries, share notable similarities and few differences. We share several common experiences and characteristics. Both are landlocked countries, have multi-ethnic populations, mountainous terrain, and youthful demographics. Moreover, both Kosovo and Nepal boast breathtaking landscapes and dynamic societies. My perceptions of Nepal before were shaped by three elements: firstly, the civil war in the 90s; then, the Himalayas, especially Mount Everest; and also Gurkhas from Nepal, who served as peacekeepers after the war in Kosovo. It is not difficult for us to empathize with Nepal, because we have common elements that remind us of our suffering, but also of our qualities. 

Both countries and peoples have gone through difficult times. We have always tried to ease our pain by talking to the mountains and singing to the trees, rocks, and rivers. Although not as great as the Himalayas, our Sharr Mountains are nonetheless extremely lovely. As differences Nepal and Kosovo have their own historical narratives and political dynamics. These differences are unique and it reflects our distinct identities, cultures, and geopolitical contexts. Kosovo reflects a blend of Western and Eastern European influences, while Nepal boasts a rich tapestry of languages and customs of Eastern South Asia. 

Despite our differences, Nepal and Kosovo can develop close relations through various means, mainly diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and people-to-people connections. Ultimately, trust, goodwill, and open communication are key to fostering close ties and cooperation between Nepal and Kosovo.

Could you tell us a little about the historical process so that our readers can understand it better?

To understand how Kosovo achieved independence, it is essential to comprehend its history. In 1989, Belgrade abolished Kosovo’s autonomy and two years later, as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) disintegrated, Kosovo lost its status as a federal entity in the ex-country with rights similar to those of the six republics. During the 1990s Kosovo and its institutions were under the Serbian occupation. Serbian authorities consistently discriminated against the majority of Kosovar population, excluding them from governance and public life, along with exclusion from the health and educational system.

In reaction, the Kosovo leadership under Ibrahim Rugova pursued a policy of peaceful resistance for several years, before the lack of progress led to the formation of the Kosovo Liberation Army and armed struggle. This, in turn, encouraged the Serbians to exercise more pressure against the Kosovars. Following a failed attempt to negotiate a settlement at Rambouillet, France, in March 1999, NATO decided to stop humanitarian crises in Kosovo and intervened in Serbian targets. During the Serbian atrocities more than half of the Kosovars became refugees or internally displaced. After the war, the problems were tried to be solved through negotiations. But after all the attempts, the UN special envoy, former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari, gave the green light for the status of Kosovo, as a ‘sui generis’ case. 

Although Serbia, Russia and some other countries insist on denying the truth, Kosovo's independence has become an irreversible fact. It should be noted that, more than half of member countries of the UN have recognized the independence of the Republic of Kosovo. The majority of these countries are geographically close to Kosovo and they realized that the case is unique and cannot be used as a precedent for other cases. 

In addition, they considered the peace and stability of the region as well as their own peace and stability. On the other side, the International Court of Justice ruled that the declaration of independence of Kosovo was not in violation of international

Dashain and Tihar are feasting times and we tend to eat with reckless abandon. But overindulgence has its downsides. It can lead to digestive issues and other health problems. So it’s important to enjoy festival delicacies without compromising on your health and fitness. What’s more, it’s important to eat right and eat well all year round. Following a good diet, one that provides your body with all the right nutrients should be your number one priority. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Supriya Bhattarai, a co-founder of Mitahara Diet Clinic and clinical nutritionist, to find out how to do that. 

First of all, what comprises a healthy diet?

A healthy diet isn’t about weight loss. You are always on a diet as long as you are eating something. A diet is not limited to specific foods but includes all your eating habits. Additionally, it’s crucial to integrate food and nutrition seamlessly into your overall lifestyle, which includes aspects like sleep, exercise, physical activity, spiritual well-being, and mental health. It’s also important to eat small, balanced meals every three to four hours. Each meal should include food groups like fruits, nuts, and seeds for optimum nutrition.  

How can we avoid overindulgence during the festive season?

‘Mitahara’ means ‘Moderate eating’ in Sanskrit and we often provide clients with practical tips they can follow to eat in moderation, which is the right way to eat. Firstly, it’s important to be mindful about portions when it comes to eating. Next is to never compromise with exercise. Usually during the holidays, our sleep schedule gets pretty messed up. Inadequate sleep can lead to unhealthy cravings so you must sleep enough and sleep well. Also, hydration is important, and so is saying ‘no’ when you have had enough. Oftentimes, we are pressured to eat and we keep munching whether we want to or not. 

Can food help prevent or cure diseases? 

The right food can keep diseases at bay. For instance, if you have high cholesterol, fiber can help you as it binds cholesterol in the intestine and removes it from the body. Those with high blood pressure can benefit from foods containing nitrates, commonly found in items like green leafy vegetables and beetroot among others. If you have diabetes, you must avoid beetroot and opt for foods with a lower glycemic index like avocado, barley, and whole grains. Likewise, osteoporosis, common in menopausal women, can be addressed by consuming calcium-rich foods, with sesame being a good option while omega-3-rich foods like flaxseed are good for a healthy heart.

What are some things to keep in mind while eating? 

Be mindful of carbohydrate intake and avoid things with high glycemic index like white rice and flour. Opt for whole grains like millet and barley instead. You can get plant-based proteins and healthy fats like omega-3 from sources like flax seeds. Many people don’t consume enough fiber. So, I’d suggest prioritizing eating fruits, salads, and green vegetables. Include colorful foods in your diet. The more colorful your plate, the better. Also, drink green tea as it’s rich in antioxidants. 

I’d also like to mention that loss of appetite is very common, especially in older people. You should focus on balancing all the macronutrients to avoid muscle wasting and undernourishment. Work-related stress and lifestyle changes can also reduce appetite. While food choice alone might not boost appetite significantly, increasing the frequency of meals might help. You can start with your favorite foods. Also, it’s a good idea to eat fruits and nuts between meals. 

Is fasting good for us? 

Occasional fasting is good for your gut. It can help reduce inflammation in the body and tackle oxidative stress and cholesterol issues as well. But to get the optimum benefits, you must fast for 18 hours or more. However, if you are pregnant, have health issues, or suffer from eating disorders, then fasting isn’t for you. 

How can one practice mindful eating? 

The best way to do this would be to maintain a food diary where you log in what you eat and when you eat. Reviewing your food diary time and again can help you identify your eating pattern, and dietary habits, and also figure out if some specific times or emotions trigger excessive food intake. You have to understand your eating habits to be in control of them.

Can you share a  trick to tackle food cravings? 

There’s a behavioral hack that’s extremely effective. ‘Breathe it out, Drink it out, and Sweat it Out.’ This helps during intense cravings. If you have an intense episode of craving, first try practicing deep belly breathing ten times then drink some water or herbal teas. If it doesn't subside try going for a short walk.

How can we take care of our gut health?

The intestinal microbiome is often called our ‘second brain’ since it influences our emotions through the chemicals it produces. So it’s imperative to pay attention to your gut health. This is where the 3P’s (Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Polyphenols) come into play. Probiotic foods include fermented foods like yogurt which will help promote the increase of friendly bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Think barley, apple, and banana. Polyphenols are found in green vegetables, green tea, berries, and apples.

Henry Edmundson has explored and climbed in the wider Himalaya and Hindu Kush since 1965. Accompanied by his wife, he has traversed the Himalayan range from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. He is the author of three non-fiction books, including 'Tales from the Himalayas,' which received special mention at the Kekoo Naroroji Book Award for Himalayan literature in 2019. He is a fellow at the Royal Geographical Society, a member of the Alpine Club, and a life member of the Himalayan Club. Kamal Dev Bhattarai talked to Edmundson on a wide range of issues related to the Himalayas. Excerpts:

How has the Himalayan region changed since you first visited there?

I first visited the Himalayas in 1965 in Kashmir for climbing and Nepal in 1969 for a month-long trek in the Dhorpatan area south of the Dhaulagiri range. In those days, there were no reliable maps, no lodges, and the trekking business had only just begun. Conditions were very primitive. Today, in favored areas such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, a wide range of amenities are offered to trekkers. But it is still possible to find wild areas where no one goes. This year I crossed the Tilman Pass, which is rarely done by trekkers. And in past years, I have trekked to Darchula in the far-west where no one still goes. I trekked Upper Dolpo before it became popular. In contrast, the trekking business in the Indian Himalayas is comparatively underdeveloped—still no lodges. The situation in Bhutan is the same. Trekking in Arunachal Pradesh is still politically constrained.

There has been a lot of geopolitical talk about the region. What do you think are the reasons?

Mountain ranges form a natural barrier between nations, so Nepal is squeezed, as is Bhutan, between two giants, China and India, which now compete in terms of population, GDP, and most sadly, compete in terms of the frontiers directly affecting both countries. This links border disputes in the east and west—the McMahon Line in the east and claims on the whole of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Aksai Chin in the west, northeast of Ladakh. Both countries are spending billions on their armies facing off in these two areas.

Why has the Himalayan region become geopolitically important?

Mainly because China and India are competing with each other for Asian and global influence. In Kashmir, a different story of religious differences between India and Pakistan, exacerbated by serious mistakes made by the British during Partition in 1947.

Is the Himalayan region a boon or bane for Nepal given the level of geopolitical struggle in this belt?

It must be a very difficult balancing act for the Government of Nepal to feel squeezed between China and India. Both countries offer so much, but also probably don’t know when they are applying too much pressure. Nepal needs their help, but how much without compromising its sovereignty?

The way the Himalayan ecosystem is changing, what measures should the government take to protect it?

The Nepali government has done an excellent job by creating national parks and reserves to protect the natural environment in the most visited areas. Elsewhere, as in India, the main challenge is controlling overdevelopment.

If we want to protect the sanctity of the Himalayas, what should be done?

Understand the historical and cultural principles of Nepali society and life in general, and ensure that the modernization of the nation doesn’t compromise these principles too much. Don’t let modern life erode the Hindu, Buddhist, and other tribal belief systems.

How can the Himalayas help Nepal promote sustainable tourism?

I think Nepal has done a great job promoting its tourism. I think Indian tourism to holy sites is well managed, but I think there are challenges for the trekking industry. Many factors conspire to make this less attractive than in the last 30 years. It is getting more expensive (flying to Nepal as well as internal Nepal costs); the network of roads being built in the main trekking areas, while a boon for locals, is a turn-off for foreigners; trekking elsewhere in the world is becoming an increasingly cheaper option.

Dr Nihar R Nayak is a Research Fellow with Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), New Delhi. His areas of expertise include political transitions in the eastern Himalayan region, non-traditional security, soft power diplomacy, left-wing extremism, and cooperative security in South Asia. Dr Nayak closely follows Nepal-India relations. Kamal Dev Bhattarai recently talked to Dr Nayak to gain insights into the current state of bilateral relations. Excerpts:

How do you assess the current state of Nepal-India relations?

Comparing it to the period of 2015-2016, there has been significant improvement in bilateral relations. Misunderstandings have substantially decreased, and bilateral mechanisms are functioning on schedule. Regular high-level political visits indicate that the bilateral relationship is in good shape. There has been good progress in energy cooperation with India addressing some concerns. While the overall relationship is in good shape, it remains complex, with certain pending issues yet to be addressed.

What are the pending issues that you are referring to?

The Nepali side has long been urging the update of the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty which is a major issue. Another issue is the submission of the EPG report, and border demarcation and map issues are also unresolved. The Boundary Working Group is yet to submit its report despite holding some meetings. The map row is yet to be resolved. A mechanism led by foreign secretaries was set up in 2014 to resolve border issues. But no dialogue has been taken so far under this format. There also are other issues such as air routes and trade and transit matters.

How do you view Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s relationship with New Delhi?

The current coalition aligns with India’s interests in the Himalayan region. India's experience with the previous government was not very comfortable as there were many misunderstandings with the CPN-UML-led government in Kathmandu. A non-controversial and friendly government in Kathmandu, like the current Maoist and NC coalition, somehow suits India's interests at this moment.

As a scholar, how do you see Dahal’s relationship with Beijing?

Regardless of who is the prime minister, Nepal must maintain a balanced relationship with Beijing and New Delhi. The foreign policy from King Mahendra's era in the 1960s is still continuing in Nepal. I do not see any deviation in that policy. India will engage with whoever comes to Baluwatar. Undertaking a bilateral visit to neighboring countries is a very regular issue. While analyzing the recent visit, I do not think it was a successful visit in terms of substance. Diplomatically, there was no major success though he spent seven days in China.  Although the two sides had 13 agreements, there were no major agreements during the visits. There were no promises on BRI, no agreement on power trade, and no major understanding on infrastructure development. This suggests that Dahal is not very close to Beijing.

American assistance and engagement with Nepal has increased lately. How do you see it?

American policy in the Himalayan region seems somewhat at odds with building a strong partnership between India and the US. For example, the US has increased its annual aid to civil society in Nepal. Interestingly, the same civil society is critical of India's engagement with Kathmandu. This means, indirectly, the US funds are being utilized against India. I believe that American interests to some extent do not synchronize what India is trying to do in the region. I see there is a communication gap between the US and New Delhi in this matter.