Kathmandu, Sept. 25: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has urged Nepal to use its position between India and China to become an economic, digital and strategic bridge in Asia.

Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Khanal said the size of Nepal’s neighbours should not limit its ambitions, according to his private secretariat. “Our question is no longer how Nepal survives between two large neighbours. Our question is how Nepal creates value between them and beyond them,” he said.

Khanal said Nepal could expand hydropower exports, develop manufacturing in border special economic zones and improve transport and digital links across the Himalayas. Nepal is already exporting electricity to Bangladesh through India, he noted. He called for practical, long-term cooperation with China on roads, tunnels, dry ports, flights and cross-border rail links.

Referring to the recent floods as a “Himalayan tsunami”, Khanal said climate change must become a priority in Nepal’s foreign policy. He urged better early warning systems, water data sharing and predictable climate grants, backed by cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Khanal also welcomed investment and partnerships from the United States, Europe, ASEAN, Latin America and others. Nepal’s future must be decided by its people, he said, but international cooperation could help the country make use of its location.

People’s News Monitoring Service

Conversation

Login to add a comment

Continue with Google

Login to Add Comment