Amid the fast-changing in Asia-Pacific and the power-changing rivalry in South Asia, today we will look at its impact and political changes in Nepal. To discuss the same Nepal's newly appointed Foreign Minister Narayan Prasad Saud speaks to WION.

Nepal's FM NP Saud: Will accept grants for big projects, not loans

Nepal Foreign Minister Gyawali met Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Relationship between India and Nepal offers limitless potential and it is driven by the people of both the countries, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Nepal Foreign Minister Gyawali meets Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Nepal Foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, who is in New Delhi, has said that Kathmandu believes in good relations with both New Delhi and Beijing and keen to use its geography as opportunity.&nbsp;

In response to a WION question during his only public meet during a 3-day visit, Gyawali said, "Nepal has always maintained good relations with our both neighbours. We never compare our relationship with our friends."

He explained, that, “being located between the 2 largest markets of the global speaks a volume...It provides us to be benefited by the fastest economic growth of our neighbouring countries. That is why we are strengthening our relations with neighbouring countries but we never compare our relations."

China has increased its foray in Nepal, even as the country has had much-celebrated ties with India based on "roti beti ka rishta" (family ties).&nbsp;

Beijing, under the KP Sharma Oli govt and the erstwhile united Nepal communist party saw a lot of high-level exchanges including a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's focus, even amid the new Nepal map row was continued people to people exchange.&nbsp;

The Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum products pipeline is the first cross country pipeline in south Asia, with both sides keen on the expansion of the pipeline to Chitwan.&nbsp;

A new pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal is being discussed. On the connectivity front, the focus is on the possible Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway line.

Lauding India, the FM said, "India has demonstrated how democracy and development could be successfully pursued together so as to promote overall progress and prosperity of the people."&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi has travelled many times to Nepal and had a number of engagements with Nepal PM Oli. Last year on India's Independence Day both PMs had spoken to each other.

Nepal Foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, who is in New Delhi, has said that Kathmandu believes in good relations with both New Delhi and Beijing and keen to use its geography as opportunity.

Nepal Foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, who is in New Delhi, has said that Kathmandu believes in good relations with both New Delhi and Beijing and keen to use its geography as opportunity. In response to a WION question during his only public meet during a 3-day visit, Gyawali said, "Nepal has always maintained good relations with our both neighbours. We never compare our relationship with our friends." He explained, that, “being located between the 2 largest markets of the global speaks a volume...It provides us to be benefited by the fastest economic growth of our neighbouring countries. That is why we are strengthening our relations with neighbouring countries but we never compare our relations." China has increased its foray in Nepal, even as the country has had much-celebrated ties with India based on "roti beti ka rishta" (family ties). Beijing, under the KP Sharma Oli govt and the erstwhile united Nepal communist party saw a lot of high-level exchanges including a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, India's focus, even amid the new Nepal map row was continued people to people exchange. The Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum products pipeline is the first cross country pipeline in south Asia, with both sides keen on the expansion of the pipeline to Chitwan. A new pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal is being discussed. On the connectivity front, the focus is on the possible Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway line. Lauding India, the FM said, "India has demonstrated how democracy and development could be successfully pursued together so as to promote overall progress and prosperity of the people." Indian PM Modi has travelled many times to Nepal and had a number of engagements with Nepal PM Oli. Last year on India's Independence Day both PMs had spoken to each other.

'We don’t compare ties', says Nepal FM on ties with China & India

In a subtle message ahead of the India Nepal joint commission meeting (JCM) on Friday, Delhi has made it clear that boundary issues will not be discussed.&nbsp;

Asked if boundary issues will be discussed, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said," Our position on the boundary issue is well known. &nbsp;Let me say that the JCM and boundary talks are separate mechanisms"&nbsp;

This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'.&nbsp;

Pointing out the agenda of the meet, Srivastava said, "The Joint Commission is an important mechanism that provides the opportunity of reviewing at a high level the entire gamut of our bilateral partnership and providing political guidance to further enhance the special and unique ties that we enjoy."

Adding, “We look forward to constructive discussions on the numerous sectors that encompass our bilateral agenda."

Procurement of COVID vaccine is expected to be high on the agenda, with Kathmandu keen to get 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccine from India. The high-level visit comes even as last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary.

In a subtle message ahead of the India Nepal joint commission meeting (JCM) on Friday, Delhi has made it clear that boundary issues will not be discussed. Asked if boundary issues will be discussed, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said," Our position on the boundary issue is well known.

In a subtle message ahead of the India Nepal joint commission meeting (JCM) on Friday, Delhi has made it clear that boundary issues will not be discussed. Asked if boundary issues will be discussed, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said," Our position on the boundary issue is well known. Let me say that the JCM and boundary talks are separate mechanisms" This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'. Pointing out the agenda of the meet, Srivastava said, "The Joint Commission is an important mechanism that provides the opportunity of reviewing at a high level the entire gamut of our bilateral partnership and providing political guidance to further enhance the special and unique ties that we enjoy." Adding, “We look forward to constructive discussions on the numerous sectors that encompass our bilateral agenda." Procurement of COVID vaccine is expected to be high on the agenda, with Kathmandu keen to get 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccine from India. The high-level visit comes even as last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary.

No boundary talks during Nepal FM's visit as India sends out subtle message

An agreement is likely to be finalized by Kathmandu to purchase 12 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, to be manufactured in India.

Nepalese Foreign Minister on 3-day visit to India, focus on procurement of vaccines

Nepal is all set to host a major summit Sagarmatha Sambad. What is interesting is that Kathmandu has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event.&nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the SAARC grouping can't be replaced by BIMSTEC and that both are complementary to each other. Here's the full interview.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the relationship?

Pradeep Gyawali: Nepal and India enjoy excellent bilateral relationship which is characterized by an open border, an enhanced level of people-to-people contact, sharing of a common culture, religion and shared values and also trying best to take the relationship to near heights so that it can incorporate the new aspect of the development and economic partnership so that people of both countries can be benefited.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONDirect?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONDirect</a> from Kathmandu | Sagarmatha Sambad should focus on ecological link between mountains &amp; oceans, we have invited many leaders, academics... SAARC has own history &amp; perspective, it can't be replaced: Pradeep Gyawali, Foreign Minister, Nepal to <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sidhant</a><a href="https://twitter.com/akankshaswarups?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akankshaswarups</a> <a href="https://t.co/UvI13JFSik">pic.twitter.com/UvI13JFSik</a>
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&nbsp;

WION: You plan to host the Sagarmatha Sambad, can you give us the details of the project?

Pradeep Gyawali: We are hosting the Sagarmatha Sambad in coming April, it means the Everest Dialogue. It will be a permanent dialogue forum aiming to bring together scientists, academia, civil society to discuss and explore the ways and ideas of the common concern we are facing now. The theme will be climate change, mountains and future of humanity wherein we will discuss the adverse impact of climate change. We will discuss the ecological link between the mountains and the oceans and we will explore the new ways on how we can address this very alarming challenge because it posing a serious threat to the mountainous country and to the small island states as well.

WION: Who all will u be inviting for the summit?

Pradeep Gyawali: We have invited all the SAARC member nations, the nations of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region including Myanmar. We have invited small Island nations, some European friends, some Latin American friends, some friends from Africa as well, keeping in mind that the summit will be focused on the ecological link between mountains and oceans, we have invited many heads of the states, academia, scientist, researchers and people from the private sector.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-urges-india-to-reconsider-palm-oil-import-ban-276463">Nepal's finance minister urges India to reconsider palm oil import ban</a>

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WION: Kalapana border issue, have you engaged with the Indian side on this?

Pradeep Gyawali: We are in close contact and we hope the foreign secretaries to settle the unresolved issue. We are optimistic that via the diplomatic discussions, based on historical evidence, maps and treaties, we can solve and we should solve it. We would not like to carry on the baggage of history and focus on the future.

WION: Do you think SAARC can be replaced by BIMSTEC?

Pradeep Gyawali: No I don't think so, because SAARC has its own history, own strength and its own perspective and it cannot be and should not be replaced by some other mechanism. Both BIMSTEC and SAARC move together and we should not look at it as something exclusive. They can be complementary and though we all know that there are some problems and misunderstandings we are optimistic that the member nations can avail new ways to mitigate the differences and revive the regional cooperation. Without strong regional cooperation, we cannot address the common problems we are facing.

WION: Is cross-border terror the big challenge?

Pradeep Gyawali: Terrorism is a common challenge to global humanity and it is not a threat to just a particular country. One should have an unconditional stance on terrorism. All forms and the manifestation of terrorism should be condemned. It should be resisted, it should be protested and there should be no ifs and buts. It is equally important to explore the new areas of cooperation because such cooperation adds value to our struggle against terrorism.

Nepal is all set to host a major summit Sagarmatha Sambad. What is interesting is that Kathmandu has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the SAARC grouping can't be replaced by BIMSTEC and that both are complementary to each other.

Nepal is all set to host a major summit Sagarmatha Sambad. What is interesting is that Kathmandu has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the SAARC grouping can't be replaced by BIMSTEC and that both are complementary to each other. Here's the full interview. WION: How do you see the relationship? Pradeep Gyawali: Nepal and India enjoy excellent bilateral relationship which is characterized by an open border, an enhanced level of people-to-people contact, sharing of a common culture, religion and shared values and also trying best to take the relationship to near heights so that it can incorporate the new aspect of the development and economic partnership so that people of both countries can be benefited. #WIONDirect from Kathmandu | Sagarmatha Sambad should focus on ecological link between mountains & oceans, we have invited many leaders, academics... SAARC has own history & perspective, it can't be replaced: Pradeep Gyawali, Foreign Minister, Nepal to @sidhant@akankshaswarups pic.twitter.com/UvI13JFSik — WION (@WIONews) January 25, 2020 × WION: You plan to host the Sagarmatha Sambad, can you give us the details of the project? Pradeep Gyawali: We are hosting the Sagarmatha Sambad in coming April, it means the Everest Dialogue. It will be a permanent dialogue forum aiming to bring together scientists, academia, civil society to discuss and explore the ways and ideas of the common concern we are facing now. The theme will be climate change, mountains and future of humanity wherein we will discuss the adverse impact of climate change. We will discuss the ecological link between the mountains and the oceans and we will explore the new ways on how we can address this very alarming challenge because it posing a serious threat to the mountainous country and to the small island states as well. WION: Who all will u be inviting for the summit? Pradeep Gyawali: We have invited all the SAARC member nations, the nations of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region including Myanmar. We have invited small Island nations, some European friends, some Latin American friends, some friends from Africa as well, keeping in mind that the summit will be focused on the ecological link between mountains and oceans, we have invited many heads of the states, academia, scientist, researchers and people from the private sector. Also read: Nepal's finance minister urges India to reconsider palm oil import ban × WION: Kalapana border issue, have you engaged with the Indian side on this? Pradeep Gyawali: We are in close contact and we hope the foreign secretaries to settle the unresolved issue. We are optimistic that via the diplomatic discussions, based on historical evidence, maps and treaties, we can solve and we should solve it. We would not like to carry on the baggage of history and focus on the future. WION: Do you think SAARC can be replaced by BIMSTEC? Pradeep Gyawali: No I don't think so, because SAARC has its own history, own strength and its own perspective and it cannot be and should not be replaced by some other mechanism. Both BIMSTEC and SAARC move together and we should not look at it as something exclusive. They can be complementary and though we all know that there are some problems and misunderstandings we are optimistic that the member nations can avail new ways to mitigate the differences and revive the regional cooperation. Without strong regional cooperation, we cannot address the common problems we are facing. WION: Is cross-border terror the big challenge? Pradeep Gyawali: Terrorism is a common challenge to global humanity and it is not a threat to just a particular country. One should have an unconditional stance on terrorism. All forms and the manifestation of terrorism should be condemned. It should be resisted, it should be protested and there should be no ifs and buts. It is equally important to explore the new areas of cooperation because such cooperation adds value to our struggle against terrorism.

At Nepal's global summit, an invite for all SAARC nations; Nepal FM says SAARC is complimentary to BIMSTEC

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