Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Newly-appointed Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal has said that there would be no change in the foreign policy of the nation even if the government changes or new ministers are inducted.

Talking to media persons at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, he said Nepal’s foreign policy is clearly mentioned in the constitution itself. “The foreign policy of the nation will not change despite the change of government or the arrival of new ministers,” he said, adding that it is an issue related to Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interest. Nepal has been pursuing non-aligned foreign policy for a long time and it will be continued. ’

According to him, the Ministry has been carrying out necessary works in the context of conflict seen in the West Asia region of late. “We have collected data of over 80,000 Nepalis living there so far. “The Ministry is actively working through diplomatic initiatives to keep Nepalis safe in the same country as per the need,” Minister Khanal said, adding that other necessary steps would be taken for the safety of Nepali citizens if the situation deteriorates more sensitive. ’

“We are also studying the possible impact on the fuel supply chain,” he said, adding that the ministry was seriously analyzing the price of fuel and its impact and the issue was taken very sensitively.

Minister Khanal said that Nepal, as a country standing in favour of peace and the country where Gautam Buddha was born, has been urging the warring parties to resolve their problems through peaceful means, adding that Nepal has been urging the world community to do the same. He said the first priority would be to ensure the safety of Nepalis in West Asia and the Ministry was ready to take alternative measures.

On the occasion, Minister Khanal shared that the government had put good governance and economic prosperity in top priority and the works of all the ministries would be forwarded under these two fundamental goals.

Today, he signed the first decision to facilitate consular services through digital technology. Minister Khanal said that the service will be provided through digital system to make the service seekers easy and the system will be expanded to get service without being present at the government office.

According to him, ‘Economic Diplomacy’ would be given special priority in the context of economic prosperity and it was expected to help in the economic development of the country.

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal has the experience of serving as the Minister for Education, Science and Technology before this. Khanal, who was elected to the House of Representatives from Kathmandu constituency-6 for a second term, had served as the Education Minister for a brief period in January 2022. Khanal was born on December 30, 1978 in Kathmandu.

Khanal, 47, hails from his ancestral place Tanahun and is currently living in Tokha, Kathmandu. Before joining politics, he was the founder of ‘Teach for Nepal’ and also worked as an activist for public education reform. Khanal is the central secretariat member of the RSP and chief of the foreign department.

He holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in international political economy from the University of Bridgeport in the past. He has also worked as an advisor at Niti Sala of Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City.