Kathmandu, January 25

Political leaders and experts have said that a common understating should be forged among all political parties before formulating a long-term foreign policy of the country.

They stressed the need for introducing a balanced foreign policy to serve the national interest for the development and prosperity of the country.

Speaking at a symposium on Nepal’s long-term foreign policy for peace and prosperity, Nepal Communist Party (NCP)’s senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal said Nepal had always been a sovereign state and this historic fact should be kept in mind while determining the foreign policy.

The former prime minister further said a balanced foreign policy was the need of the hour and a common understanding among the political parties was a must. He was of the view that no favours except the establishment of cordial relations, should be there while determining the nation’s foreign policy as our geo-politics demanded the same. “

The NCP leader also took time to speak about the need of eloquent diplomatic competency and the deftness to deal with neighbouring countries.

NCP Spokesperson and former foreign minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha spoke about the urgency to prepare foreign policy keeping nationality, sovereignty and territorial integrity at the centre to promote peace and prosperity in the country. According to him, Nepal has a unique model of democracy and it should move ahead ensuring social justice.

Similarly, Naya Shakti Party Coordinator and former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai was of the opinion that the government should exercise balanced foreign policy keeping in mind the geo-politics of the country.

The peace zone proposal floated by late King Birendra should be revived and forwarded. It’s high time we made some efforts towards this end,” Bhattarai added.

Nepali Congress leader Ram Sharan Mahat said the incumbent government had not been able to maintain strong international relations.

Stressing on the need for economic prosperity, the former minister opined that Nepal was lagging behind due to its own internal reasons.

Former ambassadors Bijayakanta Karna and Shamburam Simkhada commented that Nepal lacked political will and long-term vision. They underscored the need for unity among political parties.