By Our Reporter
With the endorsement of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal seems to be tilted towards Indo-West strategy. It is evident from the high level visits by American politicians and military generals.
After a month of Nepal visit by a delegation of the US Congress, Commanding General of United States Army Pacific Command (USAPAC) Charles A. Flynn visited Nepal last week. A few days ago, US Under Secretary Uzra Zeya arrived in Nepal. During her stay in Nepal, she also met with the Tibetan refugee leaders in Kathmandu.
During his four-day stay in Nepal, Flynn met with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) General Prabhu Ram Sharma.
The American general was reportedly said to have proposed for state partnership programme with Nepal during his talks with PM Deuba and the Army Chief.
Meanwhile, Nepal Army Chief Prabhuram Sharma is soon going to pay a visit to the USA while Prime Minister Deuba is also going to visit the USA. It was also confirmed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan Khadka on Tuesday while furnishing the queries of lawmakers in the House of Representatives. He said the date of the PM’s US visit would be fixed soon.
These frequent exchanges of visit of Nepali and American officials raise a question whether Nepal has abandoned its non-aligned foreign policy.
While China seems suspicious about increasing Nepal visits of US officials, Nepal has done nothing to convince China that the visits will not be used against China. If China irks and reacts, it will be worst for Nepal.
Commanding General Flynn met with PM Deuba at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar last Friday. During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest, according to media reports.
Flynn, who was on an official visit to Nepal, had begun his first formal meeting after paying courtesy call on PM Deuba.
Following his meeting with the PM, Commanding General Flynn paid a courtesy call on Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) General Prabhu Ram Sharma at the latter’s office, Bhadrakali, on Friday afternoon. During the meeting, issues of mutual interest and relations were discussed, according to Brigadier General and Spokesperson for the Nepali Army Narayan Silwal.
Commanding General Flynn and members of the delegation went on a mountain flight to the basecamp of Mt. Everest Saturday morning.
Nepali Army Headquarters has also said the visit led by Flyn was a continuation of the goodwill visit of high-ranking officials in the past from the US.
Flyn also visited the Birendra Peace Operation Training Centre at Panchkhal, Kavre and Army Command and Staff College at Shivapuri, Kathmandu.
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