Diplomacy and international relations carry their importance for a nation without regards to time and geographical context. This component comprises learned and specially trained personalities to serve in friendly foreign countries. One has to be well versed in global affairs and the particular skills of relations building which we know as diplomacy. There is a lot to do with etiquettes, norms and decorum. But what counts most is serving the overriding interests of the nation. It is this crucial aspect President Bidya Devi Bhandari emphasised on Wednesday as she was honouring veteran diplomats who represented Nepal in important destinations of the world. Diplomacy has many facets related to trade, commerce, culture, politics and migration. Economic diplomacy is gaining importance in recent times with rising commercial link and global inter-connectedness. Political connections are vital when it comes to resolving issues between nations, especially with immediate neighbours.

Diplomatic wisdom rose to its prominent highlight at the senior envoys’ felicitation function when the President said that Nepal’s diplomacy should take into consideration the existing geopolitical position and the goal of national development. When Nepali diplomats represent the country with these objectives in mind, we can easily measure the extent of success and failure. Such a proactive approach to diplomacy will make us result-oriented and serve the nation best by enhancing cordial ties with neighbours and other foreign friends. It is high time we duly pay attention to presidential call for objective diplomacy and foster international relations for appropriate geopolitical role and national economic development. Nepal as a landlocked and least developed nation has to assert its rights and interests in the international arena and garner international cooperation for development. This calls for sound diplomacy and cultivation of diplomatic relations.

Located between two economic powers, China and India, balanced friendly relations with both the immediate neighbours have remained the main thrust of Nepal’s diplomacy. Taking sides will not be favourable while a balanced approach will prove favourable to serve the national interests. In this regard, Nepal has to abide by the international law, United Nations Charter and the principle of peaceful co-existence or Panchaseel. Sticking to such norms and instruments is important for Nepal to assert the rights of a landlocked nation and garner international support as a least developed nation. But this does not imply that Nepal will remain in a least developed status forever. The government has set a goal of graduating to the status of developing country and ultimately joining the club of middle income nations.

President Bhandari has said that Nepal should consolidate its foreign relations on the foundation of the UN Charter, non-aligned movement, world peace and Panchasheel. Achieving this goal largely depends on the diplomatic efficiency and appropriate foreign policy. In this regard, nation’s policy needs to stand consistent notwithstanding the change of polity and government. The presidential call is highly relevant at a time when Nepal and India have a border debate at Kalapani to deal with and the government has expressed its intent to resolve the issue amicably through diplomatic channels.