Disputes with neighboring countries could be resolved thru candid talks: PM (With video)

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that it was common to have some issues between neighboring countries and they could be resolved by holding open dialogue.

Releasing a book written by former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa in the federal capital today, the Prime Minister said there would be no problems between the neighboring countries if solutions were sought on the basis of evidence abiding with international obligations along with judicious national interests.

Releasing the book titled Kutniti Ra Bhurajniti (Diplomacy and Geopolitics), Prime Minister Oli said Nepal maintains balanced relations with both neighboring countries based on honesty and impartiality. “We will not use any card of a neighbor against another. We will not wish for anyone’s misfortune. We will not let our land be used against any of the neighbors. We support neutrality and peaceful resolution,” the PM said.

We abide by the UN principles, PM Oli said, adding that we should dare say it is inappropriate if it was violated.  He was of the view that evidence should be furnished rather than arguments.

We are sensitive to the issues of world peace and security of Nepali citizens. No country should infringe on another country’s pride for serving one’s interest, PM Oli reasoned.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli urged the Indian side to receive the report of the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG), which was formed after the consensus of the top leaders of Nepal and India for the review of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950 and others.  It would be easier to hold further dialogue on the issues of border disputes, among others.

Likewise, Prime Minister Oli said that the treaty of trade and transit with China, signed when he was the Prime Minister in 2015 and during India’s blockade over Nepal, was an epoch-making event.