The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has decided to facilitate the implementation of treaties and agreements including connectivity projects with India and China.

An action plan released by the ministry has mentioned that it would play a proactive role to implement connectivity projects like Raxaul-Kathmandu railway and inland waterways connectivity with India and Kathmandu-Kerung railway and Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network under the Belt & Road Initiative with China.

Development of cross-border transmission line with India and China is also emphasised.   

The action plan has set the objective of studying and analysing the report submitted by Eminent Persons Group (EPG).

“After studying and analysing the report, the government aims to set the position of the country on the revision of 1950 Nepal-India Treaty of Peace and Friendship and conducting bilateral talks with the southern neighbour based on it,” the action plan has stated. 

Besides, the MoFA has also set the objectives of playing an active role in international forums and increasing the country’s stature by safeguarding national interest, and playing an active role to ensure the rights of least developed and landlocked countries.

The action plan has also advised and set an objective of becoming more functional in regional institutions like South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) for the promotion of regional peace, good faith and cooperation.

“Nepal should start making diplomatic initiation for the commencement of Saarc Summit,” the action plan reads.

Though Pakistan was supposed to host the 19th Saarc summit, it was cancelled due to the country’s dispute with India.

The MoFA has set the target of hosting Bimstec summit this year and formulating strategic plan for reaping the benefits from platforms like BOAO Forum for Asia, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BBIN, among others.

The action plan has also stressed on the need of formulating strategy and seeking concrete plans from the diplomatic missions and allocation of budgetary resource based on their needs.