Prime Minister Balen Shah's Diplomatic Outreach Sparks Debate on Protocol
Summary
Prime Minister Balen Shah's government introduced collective diplomatic briefings and a new diplomatic code of conduct aimed at enhancing ministerial accountability and protecting national interests in Nepal.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Balen Shah held a collective meeting with ambassadors, ending the practice of individual congratulations and meetings.
- Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai briefed cabinet members and diplomats on Nepal's diplomatic code of conduct and foreign policy.
- The new code of conduct regulates ministers' meetings with foreign officials, requiring Foreign Ministry presence and mandatory reporting.
- Former foreign ministers acknowledged the novelty and positive aspects of the collective briefing and diplomatic protocol updates.
- The Ministry expects these changes to strengthen ethics, accountability, and safeguard Nepal's national interests in diplomacy.
