Kathmandu, May 17

A task force formed to recommend restructuring of Institute of Foreign Affairs has suggested changing its structure to make it capable of producing skilled diplomats.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January had formed a task force under coordination of former ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai to recommend ways to strengthen IFA’s capability, according to a statement issued by Yek Raj Pathak,public relations and press coordinator of foreign minister.

The task force has suggested revamping the IFA by providing more human, technological and financial resources so as to convert the think tank into an institution that is capable of producing skilled diplomats.

It further suggested that IFA also impart training and conduct research, workshops and seminars on pressing issues of the national interests, including strategic and foreign affairs.

As a catalyst body for generating national consensus on foreign policy issues, IFA was set up as an integral part of the MoFA in 1993. It caters to professional training needs of Nepali officials in foreign affairs offices.The task force concluded that the think tank lacks clarity, resources and vision, therefore the MoFA and the entire diplomacy failed to take benefits from it.

While receiving the report, Minister Mahat pledged to implement the recommendations made in the document, according to Pathak.