Book Review (Spotlight Weekly)

On Foreign Affairs

The book highlights various activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

By A CORRESPONDENT

Established to serve as a think-tank on foreign policy related issues, the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) has made tremendous efforts in organizing seminars and workshops on contemporary issues and publishing a number of books.

"Report on Nepal's Foreign Affairs" is one of them. "The present publication is an attempt to disseminate information about the various activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) during the period 2002-2003. It is intended to serve as a window on how the country's ministry entrusted with the responsibility of conducting foreign affairs operates in maintaining friendly relations with all countries, in particular its immediate neighbors, as well as in projecting a positive and impressive image of the nation in the international arena such as the UN, other international bodies and regional organizations like SAARC," writes Narayan D. Shrestha, officiating executive director of IFA.

"The basic parameters of Nepal's foreign policy are laid down in the 1990 Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal. Faith in the UN charter, adherence to the principles of non-alignment, the Panchasheel, respect for international law and contribution to world peace constitute the cornerstone of Nepal's foreign policy. These guiding principles are reflected in MOFA during the period 2002-2003.," writes Shrestha.

The report covers all the different aspects of foreign policy affairs conducted by the MOFA. During the period, some important visits took place to and from Nepal. King Gyanendra and Queen Komal visited India and China in June and July respectively in that year. In the history of Nepal, for the first time, the US Secretary of State Collin Powell paid official visit to Nepal. Nepal also held the successful 11th SAARC summit in January 2002. The organization of the meeting of the Development Forum for Nepal was another important milestone in the country.

The participation at the Non-alignment Summit was equally important event in the Nepalese foreign policy calendar. At the meeting, Nepal presented its outlook on issues of global and regional interest.

One of the interesting parts of the book is that it highlights the state of relations between Nepal and its friendly countries. The book discusses Nepal's relations with the SAARC countries, China, USA, Japan and other European countries including traditional friend the United Kingdom. The visit of Nepalese prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa to the Indian capital and other South Asian capitals are also highlighted. After the event of 9/11, Nepal actively took part in the war against global terrorism. International terrorism has become one of the priority issues for the international community, including the United Nations, for the last few years, particularly since the events of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States.

The role of Nepal in the United Nations draws special attention as Nepal has participated in a number of its international summits and meeting. Thanks to the IFA efforts, Nepalese scholars, intellectuals and foreigners who have interest in Nepal's state of affairs can benefit from this book.

Despite political instability back home, Nepal participated in a number of international programs in the year 2002-2003.

These apart the book also provides glimpse into the gradual evolution undergoing the Nepalese foreign policy vis-à-vis the changing context. With economic matters taking the driving seat, issues of economics and finances draw heavy attention everywhere including Nepal.

The book also compiles important addresses and speech made by the King, Prime Minister and Ministers on different occasions. The report is certain to be quite handy for those interested in foreign policy, scholars and students.

Report On Nepal's Foreign Affairs (2002-2003) March
Published by: Institute of Foreign Affairs, Tripureshwor (March, 2004)
Price: Undisclosed
Pages: 256