CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that there should be a national consensus among major political parties on the fundamental issues of foreign policy and international relations.
Speaking at a program organized by the Association of Former Nepali Ambassadors (AFNA) he said stability in the domestic polity is a prerequisite for the effective and smooth functioning of external relations.
The former prime minister further added that Nepal should present itself with a reliable and trustworthy policy and behavior while dealing with neighboring countries. The main opposition leader was of the view that Nepal should present all its issues in a frank and clear manner with neighboring countries. He said only an open and frank exchange of dialogue can bring about cordiality in bilateral relations.
“If there was not internal political upheaval, the map row with India would have been already resolved,” said Oli who as a prime minister took the initiative to issue a new political map incorporating Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadurha. In the bilateral talks with the Indian counterpart, I had presented all the issues in a free and frank manner, he said.
The former Prime Minister Oli laid emphasis on the need of resolving problems by holding discussions if any problem surfaces in foreign relations. He shared, "Nepal should present itself with reliable and trustworthy policy and behavior before the neighboring countries. Dual characters should not be shown. We should not play any card on the issue of international relations."
The UML chair clarified that although any country may be small in population and geography, Nepal could hold discussions with all countries of the world without any hesitation as the sovereignty of each country is equal.
Oli further added that the government is not consulting with the main opposition party while taking vital decisions related to foreign policy. There is a tradition of soliciting the views of opposition parties before the prime minister's foreign visit but the current government has not reached out to us, he said.
Lucky Sherpa, former Ambassador and general secretary of AFNA informed that their plan of holding a series of dialogues on foreign policy issues of Nepal.
“We plan to hold a series of dialogues with leaders of major political parties to forge a national consensus on key fundamental issues of foreign policy,” she said. She further added that matters related to foreign policy should not be politicized and there should be broader consultations and discussions before taking a decision on key foreign policy matters.
