At the third series of lectures launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal, in honour of former Ambassador and former Foreign Secretary Prof Yadunath Khanal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha said that Nepal and India being close neighbours have built a longstanding history of mutual friendship and cooperation. The salient features of Nepal-India ties include geographical proximity; religious, cultural and linguistic relations; economic engagement and intensely flourished people-to-people relations. The unresolved bilateral issues can be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic channels based on historical facts and per the spirit of good neighbourhood. DPM Shrestha reiterates that the bilateral relations are based on sovereign equality, peaceful coexistence, goodwill, mutual trust and understanding. Minister Shrestha said the exchange of high-level visits has helped strengthen the relations and enhance partnership in many fields. Sharing that a consultative mechanism has been established to facilitate cooperation in various areas of bilateral relations, he said such mechanisms have facilitated enhanced cooperation and partnership.

The third series was focused on Nepal-India relations featuring Prof C Rajmohan, former Director of the Academy of South Asian Studies, as the keynote speaker. Prof Rajmohan said Nepal and India are facing similar global challenges and a pragmatic approach towards problem-solving is essential to the development of two neighbours. Noting that Kathmandu and New Delhi should learn from Beijing, as China has improved relations with Russia and the USA as per the need. Although Beijing’s relations with Washington now are strained, relations with Moscow are strong.

Foreign Secretary of Nepal, Sewa Lamsal informed that the lecture series has been organized to enhance thematic knowledge and discuss with the scholars about the existing foreign policy and practices of the country.