Nepal PM Balendra Shah meets EU envoys, assures policy continuity and stability
Kathmandu, May 26
Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Tuesday held a joint meeting with non-resident ambassadors and mission heads of European Union-affiliated countries based in Kathmandu and New Delhi.
The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office as the government intensifies preparations for the upcoming national budget. "Diplomatic and bilateral cooperation issues were also discussed during the collective interaction with representatives of key donor nations," officials said.
Tuesday's meeting marks a rare collective engagement between the Prime Minister and senior representatives of EU member states amid ongoing discussions on Nepal's economic priorities and international cooperation.
In the meeting, Prime Minister Balendra Shah said that being a new government does not mean completely distancing itself from the past, stressing continuity in Nepal's policies and commitment to democratic values.
As per the Prime Minister's Secretariat, Shah said Nepal would maintain a clear, stable, and predictable policy direction.
"Being new does not mean being completely detached from the past. We are fully committed to protecting democratic values and ensuring political stability while maintaining a clear, stable, and predictable policy direction," the secretariat said.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah also stated that his government remains committed to visibly improving the daily lives of Nepali citizens through good governance and inclusive economic growth.
During the meeting, he said the recent election results in Nepal had delivered a clear and decisive public mandate for good governance and inclusive prosperity, while assuring diplomats that policy continuity would remain intact despite the formation of a new government.
The Prime Minister said the government aims to create new opportunities for citizens by benefiting from global markets, simplifying investment procedures, encouraging innovation, and promoting sustainable development.
He further clarified that Nepal would continue pursuing a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy.
"Our relations with neighbours, development partners, and friendly countries are guided by the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared prosperity," he said.
Prime Minister Shah expressed gratitude to Nepal's development partners and friendly nations for their continued goodwill and support towards Nepal's development and prosperity.
He also stressed Nepal's commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, green energy, climate action, tourism, and other major sectors.
Referring to ongoing global conflicts, the Prime Minister said civilians continue to bear the greatest suffering during wars and crises, emphasising that dialogue, diplomacy, and international law should be prioritised over military confrontation to maintain peace.
During the interaction, ambassadors from the European Union and other diplomatic missions praised Nepal for conducting peaceful elections and congratulated Prime Minister Balendra Shah on leading the new government with a mandate for good governance, economic development, and prosperity.
The diplomats also expressed readiness to cooperate and invest in Nepal across various sectors to support economic growth and national development.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Dialogue and diplomacy over military confrontation" – this is exactly the kind of balanced foreign policy South Asia needs. Nepal setting the right example. 👏
While assurances are nice, I hope the new government actually delivers on improving daily lives. Nepal has immense potential but needs consistent governance. The EU investment interest is promising if properly channeled.
As an international observer, Nepal's peaceful election and commitment to democratic values are commendable. The EU's engagement here could serve as a model for development partnerships in the region. Clean energy and tourism are smart priorities.
A balanced foreign policy is key for a landlocked country like Nepal. Between India and China, they need to walk a tightrope. This PM seems practical – not distancing from past commitments but also not being stuck in old ways. Let's see the budget plans.
"Simplified investment procedures" – music to the ears of anyone who's tried to do business in the region. Hope this doesn't remain just a statement. Nepal needs concrete action to attract FDI, especially in green energy where they have so much potential.
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