INTRODUCTION

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for formulating and implementing Nepal"s
foreign policy. Strengthening Nepal"s bilateral, regional and multilateral relations,
projecting and promoting Nepal"s image in international arena, promoting Nepal"s
development diplomacy, protecting the rights and interests of Nepalis living abroad are
the key tasks of the Ministry. It also provides passport and consular services and
handles protocol matters. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Ministry coordinates with all
relevant government agencies, Nepali missions abroad as well as diplomatic missions
and international organisations accredited to Nepal. It also consults private sector and
non-governmental organisations on policy as well as implementation related matters
within its jurisdiction.
Currently, there are 40 Nepali diplomatic missions abroad - 30 Embassies, 3 Permanent
Missions and 7 Consulates General.
Vision
Protection and promotion of national interest of Nepal within the overall framework of
foreign policy through effective conduct of diplomacy
Mission
To strengthen close, cordial and friendly relations with immediate neighbors, South
Asian countries, major powers and other countries; play an active role in the United
Nations, and other international and regional organizations and forums; to safeguard
and promote rights and interests of Nepali nationals living abroad; and to enhance
Nepal"s image in international arena
Role and Functions of the Ministry
 Formulation and implementation of Nepal"s foreign policy;
 Maintenance and promotion of friendly relations with foreign countries;
 Representation of Nepal in foreign countries and international forums;
 Projection and promotion of Nepal"s image in foreign countries;
 Protection and promotion of rights, interests and security of Nepali nationals living
abroad;
 Coordination of incoming and outgoing high level visits;
 Conduct of development diplomacy;
 Engagement with United Nations and other international and regional organizations;
 Coordination with Nepali Missions abroad and foreign diplomatic missions in Nepal;
 Negotiations and agreements with foreign governments and at regional and
multilateral forums;
 Providing policy inputs and reporting on matters of national interest to competent
authorities of Nepal;
 Operation of Nepal Foreign Service;
 Delivery of passport and consular services;
 Dealing with Non-resident Nepali (NRN) affairs;
 Handling protocol matters;
 Management of diplomatic immunities and privileges;
 Providing consular services to foreign nationals.

Our mission
Vision and Mission
Vision: Protection and promotion of national interest of Nepal within the overall
framework of foreign policy through effective conduct of diplomacy. Mission:
To strengthen close, cordial and friendly relations with immediate neighbors,
South Asian countries, major powers and other countries; play an active role
in the United Nations, and other international and regional organizations and
forums; to safeguard and promote rights and interests of Nepali nationals
living abroad; and to enhance Nepal’s image in international arena.

History of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The institution of Nepal"s Foreign Office is one of the oldest of its type in Asia. After the
unification of Nepal by King Prithivi Narayan Shah, in 1769, an office called Jaishi Kotha
was established to look after the foreign affairs, especially the relation with Tibet and
China. That was the first institution dedicated for the foreign affairs in [Link] name
of Jaishi Kotha was changed to “Munshi Khana” during the premiership of Bhimsen
Thapa, and Jaishi Kotha was retained as a unit of Munshi Khana.
The "Munsi Khana" continued to retain its name and existence during the whole period
of Rana regime, of course with some reorganization from time to time. It was
reorganised by Prime Minister Jang Bahadur Rana into three units such as British India
Division, Jaishi Kotha, and Munshi Captain"s Office. It had yet another reorganisation
during Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher Rana"s time, and additional five divisions and
one associate division were created. The names of those divisions were: a) Jaishi Kotha
b) Sadar Amini Goswara c) Seema Survey d) India - Great Britain Division e) Munshi
Captain"s Office, and Singh Durbar Farmaisi Adda as an associate division.
After 1934, the Munshi Khana was also referred to as Foreign Department in English
correspondence. It was upgraded to the level of a Department, and a Director-General
was appointed to head it. The main works of the Munshi khana appear to act under
instruction from the rulers of the time and make correspondences with some of the
offices that were opened in India and Lhasa. They were “Alaichi Kothi” in Patna, Vakil
Office in Lhasa, Honorary Vakil Office in Benaras, and the Office of the Vakil in
Calcutta, which was later, shifted to New Delhi. As far as diplomatic relations were
concerned, over a period of more than hundred years of the Rana regime, Nepal had
diplomatic relations only with four countries, namely, India, France, Great Britain and
United States of America.
The political revolution of 1950 was a decisive event from the point of view of the
development and growth of foreign ministry. For the first time, an independent Ministry
for Foreign Affairs was established in 1951. It is in this period that Nepal established
diplomatic relations rapidly in keeping with the high priority it had given to the expansion
of diplomatic relations with countries of the world. This period is also important from the
fact that Nepal was able to become member of the United Nations, and the Non-aligned
Movement, which provided it with the opportunity for full international exposure. Within
this decade, countries having diplomatic relations with Nepal reached well over twenty-
six.
The post 1960 period saw the rapid expansion of the Foreign Ministry"s activities.
Accordingly, the Ministry"s internal work divisions were clearly delineated and several
new political divisions were created on a geographical and regional basis. The divisions
were: UN Division, Europe America Division, North East and South East Asia Division,
South Asia Division, Protocol Division and Administration Division.
This period also witnessed Nepal"s active participation in the Regional and International
forums and become member of various regional and international Organizations. Nepal,
as one of the founder members, played a vital role in the establishment of the SAARC in
1985, including hosting of its headquarters in Kathmandu. Similarly, the country"s
bilateral, regional and international relations also grew during this period. The Foreign
Ministry, thus, emerged as a strong and dynamic institution in implementing the foreign
policies of the Government. In the same way, Nepal continued to establish diplomatic
relations with as many countries of the world as possible. The Nepalese Diplomatic
Missions were opened in fifteen different countries and nineteen different countries
opened their Embassies in Nepal. The number of countries having diplomatic relations
with Nepal during that period reached around hundred.
After the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was
re-organized again in 1993 to render it capable of the functions expected of it by the
nation. The Ministry set into motion a number of administrative, institutional and policy
reform measures to fit into the government"s objective for a lean and efficient
administration. The Ministry underwent a fundamental restructuring to make it more
functional. It was during this period that a separate "Foreign Service Regulations" was
put into effect, thus creating a separate "Foreign Service Group" for the Ministry. The
2nd amendment-2064 BS of the Nepal Civil Service Act-2049 BS created a separate
"Nepal Foreign Service" in order to ensure specialization of its officials and streamline
the personnel administration functions of the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry is now
manned by over 400 officials among them 278 are the officials of the Nepal Foreign
Service. The Ministry also set up a new institution in the mid-1990s", the “Institute of
Foreign Affairs”, to operate in close affiliation with the Ministry. With the increased
amount of diplomatic works including economic diplomacy and consular services to
growing number of Nepali diaspora around the world, the country"s diplomatic presence
abroad has expanded and number of missions have now reached 40 (30 embassies, 3
permanent missions and 7 consulate generals).
Nepal and SAARC
1. As a regional organization, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
was established on 8 December 1985. As enshrined in SAARC Charter, this regional
body mainly aims to promote welfare of South Asians and improve their quality of life;
accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development and provide all
individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and realize their full potentials; and promote
and strengthen collective self-reliance as well as mutual collaboration in various agreed
areas of mutual interests. SAARC comprises of eight members, namely, Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Similarly,
Australia, People"s Republic of China, European Union, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan,
Republic of Korea, Mauritius, Myanmar, and USA are observers in SAARC. Nepal is the
founding member and the current Chair of SAARC. Nepal has been contributing to
regional cooperation under SAARC in line with the goals and objectives of its Charter.
2. Summit is the highest decision-making body in SAARC, held in every two years on a
rotational basis and is attended by the Heads of State/Government of the Member
States. Eighteen SAARC Summits have been held so far. Nepal successfully hosted
18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu on 26-27 November 2014. During the Summit,
SAARC leaders renewed their commitment to deepening regional integration for peace
and prosperity by promoting mutual trust, amity, understanding, cooperation and
partnership. They also reiterated the need for reinvigorating regional cooperation and
revitalizing the Association as an effective vehicle to fulfill the development aspirations of
its [Link] 36-point Kathmandu Declaration entitled "Deeper Integration for Peace
and Prosperity" was adopted at the conclusion of the Summit. At Nepal"s initiative,
cooperation in the field of migration, cooperatives and social protection featured for the
first time in SAARC agenda and reflected in the Declaration. Signing of SAARC
Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity) was an important
achievement of the Summit.
Nepal had also successfully organized the 3rd and 11th Summits in Kathmandu in
1987 and 2002 respectively. During the 3 rd Summit, SAARC Regional Convention
on Suppression of Terrorism was signed which entered into force on 22 August
1988. The Summit commissioned Regional Study on “Consequences of Natural
Disasters and Protection and Preservation of Environment”. Two important
conventions, namely SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating
Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution, 2002 and SAARC Convention
on Regional Arrangement for Promotion of Child Welfare in South Asia, 2002
were signed during the 11th Summit.
3. Council of Ministers comprises the Ministers of Foreign/External Affairs of the Member
States. It formulates policies; reviews progress of cooperation; decides on new areas of
cooperation; establishes additional mechanism when necessary and also takes decision
on other matters of general interest to the Association. Up to now, there have been 37
sessions of the Council [Link] 37th Session of the Council of Ministers, also known as
"Inter-Summit Session", was held in Pokhara, Nepal on 17 March 2016 to review
implementation of the decisions taken at the 18th SAARC Summit and the 36th Session of
the Council (Kathmandu, 25 November 2014). The Council decided to streamline
SAARC institutions and mechanisms and make them more effective, efficient and result-
oriented. The Council endorsed the amendment to SAARC Development Fund (SDF)
Charter by reducing the requirement of the provisions from three-member criteria to one-
member criteria with direct/indirect benefit to more than one member for launching
projects under the Economic window of the SDF. The Council recommended locating
 SAARC Disaster Management Centre in New Delhi, India and merger of Environment
Center with existing SAARC Energy Centre located in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The Council has also been meeting informally in New York on the sidelines of the
United Nations General Assembly since 1997. Nepal as the current Chair hosted
informal sessions of the Council in New York in September 2016 and 2017 where
the Ministers held discussion and shared progress achieved in different areas of
regional cooperation as well as reviewed implementation of decisions taken on
different occasions.
4. Standing Committee is the charter body at Foreign Secretary level for monitoring and
reviewing progress of SAARC activities and programs. It gives directives to SAARC
mechanisms and bodies, and also approves projects and programs as well as their
financing. It is mandated to mobilize regional and external resources and to identify new
areas of cooperation. The latest meeting of the Committee (42nd Session) was held in
Pokhara, Nepal on 16 March 2016.
5. Programming Committee is a SAARC Charter body at the level of Joint Secretaries of
the Ministry of Foreign/External Affairs working as National Focal Points on SAARC
matters. The Programming Committee meets prior to the Standing Committee sessions
or at the end of each English calendar year to finalize calendar of activities, programs
and budget of the Secretariat, Regional Centers and Specialized Bodies. Fifty-ninth
sessions of the Programming Committee have been held so far, the latest one on 6-7
March 2024 in Kathmandu. During its 59th Session, the Committee made
recommendations for the SAARC Secretariat"s budget for 2024. The programs and
annual budget of Regional Centres and Specialized Bodies as well as
programs/Calendar of Activities of the SAARC Secretariat for 2024 were approved
during the Session.
6. Technical Committee comprises of representatives- professionals from sectoral fields-
of Member States who are responsible for implementation, coordination and monitoring
of the programmes in their respective areas of cooperation. It submits its periodic reports
to the Standing Committee. The chairmanship generally rotates among Member States
in an alphabetical order every two years. Its primary functions include determining
potential and scope of regional cooperation in agreed areas; formulating programmes
and preparing projects; assessing financial implications of sectoral programmes; and
recommending apportionment of financial costs, among [Link] from these bodies,
various Working Groups and Action Committees are also constituted in SAARC to carry
out preparatory works in sectoral areas; and to advance cooperation involving more than
two but not all Member States, respectively.
7. SAARC Secretariat was established in Kathmandu on 16 January 1987. It mainly
coordinates and monitors the implementation of SAARC activities; services meetings of
SAARC mechanisms; and serves as channel of communication in SAARC process. The
Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General and assisted by eight Directors (one
Director from each Member State) and General Services Staff. H.E. Mr. Md. Golam
Sarwar, a senior diplomat from Bangladesh, is the current (15th) Secretary General of
SAARC, who took over this responsibility in that capacity on 25 October [Link]
Regional Centers and Specialized Bodies
8. The are five regional centers and four specialized bodies under [Link]
Centers:
 SAARC Agricultural Centre (SAC), Bangladesh ([Link]
 SAARC Energy Centre (SEC), Pakistan ([Link]
 SAARC Cultural Centre (SCC), Sri Lanka ([Link]
 SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC), Nepal ([Link]
  SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC), India ([Link]
Specialized Bodies:
 SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO), Pakistan ([Link]
 South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO), Bangladesh
([Link]
 SAARC Development Fund (SDF), Bhutan ([Link]
 South Asian University (SAU), India ([Link]
Areas of Cooperation
9. The SAARC has identified sixteen areas of cooperation as follows: agriculture and rural
development; biotechnology; culture; economic and trade matters; education; energy;
environment; finance; funding mechanism; information communication and media;
people-to-people contacts; poverty alleviation; science and technology; security aspects;
social development; and tourism. These areas have been bundled into seven clusters:
each is led by one Director from each Member State. They include Agriculture and Rural
Development; Environment, Natural Disasters and Biotechnology; Economic, Trade and
Finance; Social Affairs; Information and Poverty Alleviation; Energy, Transport, Science
and Technology; Education, Security and Culture. Major Cooperation Initiatives in
SAARC
10. Connectivity is sine qua non for regional integration in South Asia. SAARC has
accorded top priority and made concerted efforts to enhance both physical and people-
to-people connectivity. SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement and SAARC Regional
Railways Agreement are at the stage of finalization. Draft text of SAARC Regional Air
Services Agreement is under consideration. Implementation of such instruments would
enable regional connectivity in a seamless manner and ensure cross-border flows of
goods, services, capital, technology and [Link] 18th SAARC Summit Declaration
directed relevant authorities to initiate national, regional and sub-regional measures and
necessary arrangements for linking South Asia with contiguous regions, including
Central Asia, and beyond by all modes of connectivity. The Meeting of SAARC Transport
Ministers and Intergovernmental Working Group on Transport take up these matters.
The Final Workshop on updating the SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport Study
(SRMTS) was held at the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, on 28-29 February 2024. The
Workshop was attended by experts from the Ministries/Departments dealing with
transport infrastructure and representatives of the Ministries of External/Foreign Affairs
of the SAARC Member States.
11. Economic Cooperation is essential to expedite regional integration process in SAARC
region. As envisaged in the SAARC Charter, important steps have been undertaken to
expand cooperation in core areas, especially in trade, finance, investment and
economic activities. The leaders in the 18th SAARC Summit expressed their strong
determination to deepen regional integration for peace, stability and prosperity in South
Asia by intensifying cooperation, inter alia, in trade, investment, finance, energy, security,
infrastructure, connectivity and culture; and implementing projects, programmes and
activities in a prioritized, result-oriented and time-bound manner. The Leaders renewed
their commitment to achieve South Asian Economic Union (SAEU) in a phased and
planned manner through a Free Trade Area, a Customs Union, a Common Market, and
a Common Economic and Monetary Union.A Committee on Economic Cooperation
(CEC) comprising commerce/trade secretaries of Member Countries is tasked to
formulate and oversee the implementation of specific measures, policies and programs
aimed at strengthening and enhancing intra-regional trade and economic exchanges.
SAARC Finance Ministers" Meeting, Inter-Governmental Expert Group on
Financial Issues and SAARC Public Debt Managers" Forum are also working
towards economic and financial cooperation. The 8th Meeting of SAARC Finance
Ministers held in Islamabad on 26 August 2016 deliberated the issues covered in
the Declaration of the 18th SAARC Summit including the process towards the
SAEU and full and expeditious implementation of South Asian Free Trade Area
(SAFTA).
SAARC Finance Ministers also meet informally on the sidelines of the Annual
Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank. The Finance
Minister of Nepal chaired the Eleventh Informal Meeting of SAARC Finance
Ministers held in Yokohama, Japan on 5 May 2017. The theme of the meeting
was “50 years of ADB and its operations in SAARC Countries”. The Meeting laid
emphasis on some major issues i.e. improvement of infrastructure, connectivity
and creating economic corridors among SAARC Member States,
operationalization of the SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS), and
finalization of the text of the Draft SAARC Agreement on Promotion and
Protection of Investment.
The process of expanding intra-regional trade through preferential tariff
concession and improved market access was started with the signing of
Agreement on SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) in 1993, later
replaced by SAFTA. In view of the limited growth of intra-regional trade, the
Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) was signed during the
Twelfth Summit in Islamabad in January 2004 together with the aim of realizing
South Asian Economic Union (SAEU). The Agreement which entered into force
from January 2006 calls for higher level of trade and economic cooperation
beyond preferential trading arrangements and promotion of fair competition by
removing barriers to and facilitating cross-border movement of goods.
SAFTA Ministerial Council (SMC), comprising Trade/Commerce Ministers of the
Member States, is the highest decision-making body for the implementation of
SAFTA. A Committee of Experts (CoE) made up of the representatives of
Member States provides support to the SMC. The CoE discusses the matters,
among others, relating to trade liberalization program, sensitive lists, rules of
origin, and technical assistance to LDCs.
With a view to ensuring substantial expansion in intra-regional trade, Member
States continue to focus deliberations on reducing "sensitive list", particularly for
items of LDC interests; on removing non-tariff and para-tariff barriers; and on
providing for adequate trading infrastructures including efficient transit transport
facilities.
Recognizing potentials of growth in trade in services in the region, SAARC
Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS) was signed in Thimphu, Bhutan during
the 16th Summit (April 2010). SATIS entered into force with effect from 29
November 2012. The SATIS aims to promote and enhance trade in services
among the member states in a mutually beneficial and equitable manner. The
Agreement provides for expanding intra-regional investments, and trade
liberalization in services sector. Areas such as banking, telecommunication and
tourism (including airline services) are considered as major areas of interests in
the field of trade in services.
 A number of trade facilitation agreements and measures have been put in place
under SAARC. SAARC Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters
and SAARC Multilateral Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation are in
effect. Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investments, SAARC Motor
Vehicle Agreement, SAARC Railway Service Agreement and SAARC Regional
Air Service Agreement are under consideration. The agreement on the
establishment of SAARC Arbitration Council aims at settling trade-related
disputes and the Council is already operational with headquarters in Islamabad,
Pakistan.
12. Energy: Given high energy demand and huge energy deficit in the region, energy
constitutes another important area for cooperation among SAARC Member States.
SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity) was signed in 2014
during the 18th SAARC Summit and is in the process of ratification. It has opened up an
avenue for energy trade in the region. Energy cooperation can transform the region"s
development outlook.
13. Tourism: In view of its natural beauty, ancient civilization and cultural diversity, South
Asia has immense potentials for the development of tourism sector. A joint promotion
campaign and marketing is necessary to develop and promote SAARC region as a
destination in international tourism market. Tourism has been featuring in SAARC
deliberation from the very beginning. SAARC Tourism Minister"s meeting and Working
Group on Tourism are working on to formulate regional approach in tourism promotion.
Nepal hosted the 2nd SAARC Tourism Ministers" Meeting in January 2011 preceded by
the Fourth Working Group Meeting. These meetings reviewed the progress made in the
SAARC Action Plan on Promotion of Tourism. During the 5th Meeting of the Working
Group (New Delhi, 25-26 November 2015), Nepali delegation presented an overview of
major tourist destinations in Nepal and also highlighted the impact of April 2015
Earthquakes on its tourism business. The Meeting also discussed Tourism Vision 2020
and the need for developing Buddhist Circuit within SAARC. In a bid to promote people-
to-people contacts, cultural cooperation and exchange of artists, Nepal hosted the
SAARC Artist Camp and Exhibition in Kathmandu in July 2017.
14. Agriculture: This sector makes a significant contribution to the South Asian economy as
well as to the livelihood of its people. It accounts for over 40 percent employment
opportunities in South Asia. Large portion of South Asia"s landmass is still rural. The
leaders, during the 18th SAARC Summit, agreed to increase investment, promote
research and development, facilitate technical cooperation and apply innovative,
appropriate and reliable technologies for enhancing agricultural food and nutritional
security. Promotion of sustainable agriculture is of equal priority within the ambit of
regional cooperation. Ratification of SAARC Seed Bank Agreement is in the process.
Establishment of Regional Vaccine Bank and Regional Livestock Gene Bank is under
consideration. The 3rd Meeting of SAARC Agriculture Ministers held in Dhaka,
Bangladesh on 07 April 2016 adopted the Dhaka Statement on Agriculture and Rural
Development. The Statement underlines the importance of the operationalization of
SAARC Food Bank and SAARC Seed Bank, strengthening research-extension system,
trans-boundary animal diseases, and addressing issues of agriculture trade barriers and
exchange of germ-plasms.
15. Environment: South Asia remains in vulnerable zone to environmental degradation,
adverse impact of climate change and frequent incidence of disasters all across the
world. The 3rd Summit of SAARC held in Kathmandu underscored the importance of
region-wide approach to address issues of environment by strengthening and
intensifying cooperation to preserve, protect and manage diverse and fragile eco-
 systems of the region. The Summit also highlighted the need to work together to face
challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. The Summit commissioned a
Regional Study on the “Consequences of Natural Disasters and the Protection and
Preservation of the Environment” and the Study was completed in 1991. The
18th SAARC Summit directed the relevant mechanisms/bodies for effective
implementation of SAARC Agreement on Rapid Response to Natural Disasters, SAARC
Convention on Environment and Thimpu Statement on Climate [Link] SAARC
Environment Ministers" Meeting and the Technical Committee on Environment and
Forestry as well as SAARC Environment and Disaster Management Center are the
mechanisms to guide and facilitate cooperation, carry out research, organize training
and share information among the Member States. Nine rounds of SAARC Environment
Ministers" meeting were held since 1991. The meetings took stock of progress and also
made necessary decisions in order to further enhance regional cooperation in the area
of environment, climate change and natural disasters. The 10 th Meeting of the
Environment Ministers is to be held in Nepal.
16. Poverty Alleviation: Poverty continues to remain a formidable common challenge in
South Asia. The region is still characterized as a pocket of global poverty. The leaders of
SAARC expressed their strong commitment to realize poverty-free South Asia ever since
the first SAARC Summit. At the 18th SAARC Summit, they directed Ministerial and
Secretary-level mechanisms on poverty alleviation to revisit SAARC Plan of Action on
Poverty Alleviation, taking into account Post-2015 Development Agenda. In this regard,
an Inter-Governmental process has already initiated to appropriately contextualize
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at regional level.
17. Labour Migration: A sizeable number of youths from South Asia go abroad for work.
Ensuring safety, security and wellbeing of migrant workers becomes overriding concern
for SAARC countries. In this context, our leaders at the 18th Summit agreed to collaborate
and cooperate on safe, orderly and responsible management of labour migration from
South Asia. During the Summit, Nepal proposed to establish a regional mechanism to
work on migrant workers. Accordingly, SAARC Plan of Action for Cooperation on Matters
Related to Migration has been finalized and zero draft of "SAARC Declaration on Labour
Migration" is under consideration. The first meeting of the Technical Committee to be
held in Nepal within 2018 is expected to finalize Draft SAARC Declaration on Labour
Migration.
18. Cooperatives: have huge potentials in achieving inclusive, broad-based and
sustainable economic growth and development in the region. In the declaration of the
18th SAARC Summit, our leaders called for sharing of experiences, expertise and best
practices in this sector. At Nepal"s initiative, it has become an agenda in SAARC and
Nepal prepared a Concept Note on "Cooperatives".
19. Social Protection: In view of social, environmental and disaster-related problems as
well as risks and challenges faced in the SAARC region, adequate social protection is
essential. In the declaration of the 18th SAARC Summit, the leaders acknowledged
special needs of elderly, women, children, differently-abled persons, unemployed
persons, and persons working at hazardous sites, and agreed to develop and strengthen
social protection for them and to share best practices in this regard. At Nepal"s initiative,
a draft regional action plan on social protection is being worked out and will be provided
to the Member States for consideration.
20. Public Health: Cooperation in public health ensures visibility of SAARC at people"s
level. SAARC Member States have ample ground to work on common issues and
challenges of public health. The leaders in the 18 th SAARC Summit recognized the
importance of universal health coverage, improving health regulatory system,
preparedness for emerging and re-emerging diseases, and challenges posed by anti-
 microbial resistance and [Link] Sixth Meeting of SAARC Health Ministers held in
Colombo on 29 July 2017 adopted the Colombo Declaration- Calling for accelerated
progress on key regional health issues. It was agreed to establish mechanisms to share
experiences on development of human resources for health, ensuring accessibility,
equity and quality of health care; and share experiences on best practices adopted on
health issues pertaining to NCDs, Vector Borne Disease, Sanitation, Nutrition, Climate
change and Disaster. It was also decided to work together to achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals of this sector through enhanced partnership and collaboration.
The 2nd Meeting of the Technical Committee on Health and Population Activities
held in Kathmandu on 5-6 May 2008 deliberated Project Concept Notes on
Maternal and Child Health Care and Immunization. The Fourth Meeting held in
New Delhi in April 2015 recommended for setting up of Expert Groups for Vector
Borne Diseases (Malaria/Dengue/Chikangunya and others) with particular
attention to Malaria, setting up an Expert Group/Consultative Group on Hepatitis
and holding an annual meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
In line with the directive of the Twelfth SAARC Summit and SAARC Regional
Strategy on HIV and AIDS, SAARC Goodwill Ambassadors Programme was
commenced with the aim of bringing issue of HIV and AIDS to political and public
forefront. The Thirtieth Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers (Colombo, 31
July - 1 August 2008) approved two regional personalities: Ms. Shabana Azmi
from India; and Mr. Sanath Jayasuriya from Sri Lanka as SAARC Goodwill
Ambassadors for HIV and AIDS. In January 2013, three regional personalities
were conferred with honorary title of SAARC Goodwill Ambassadors namely- Ms.
Runa Laila from Bangladesh, Shri Ajay Devgan from India and Ms. Sharmeen
Obaid-Chinoy from Pakistan.
21. Terrorism and Trans-national Crimes: are key security challenges in SAARC region.
SAARC Member states have been cooperating on security matters through regular
meetings at the level of Home/Interior Ministers, Home/Interior Secretaries and of
SAARC Terrorist Offences Monitoring Desk (STOMD) and SAARC Drug Offense
Monitoring Desk (SDOMD). At the 3 rd Summit in 1987, SAARC Regional Convention on
Suppression of Terrorism was signed. This instrument has laid ground for working
together for the prevention and elimination of terrorism from the region. Subsequently in
2004, Additional Protocol to the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of
Terrorism was also signed at the 12thSummit in Islamabad. Two important instruments-
SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and SAARC
Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed at the 5 th and
15th SAARC Summits [Link] 8th Meeting of SAARC Interior/ Home Ministers,
preceded by the 8th Meeting of SAARC Secretaries of Interior/Home and the 8 th Meeting
of SAARC Immigration Authorities, was held in Colombo on 12-13 July 2017. The
Ministers highlighted actions taken to counter acts of terrorism, drug controls and
human-trafficking at national and regional level. They also unequivocally condemned
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for collective efforts in countering
terrorism.
22. SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme: With a view to promoting people-to-people contacts
through movement of people across the region, SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme is in
operation since 1992. There are 24 categories of entitled persons (Group A-19, Group B-
5) under the Scheme, covering dignitaries, government officials, businessmen,
sportsmen, journalists, and heads of institutions/organizations. The Eighth Meeting of
 SAARC Immigration Authorities was held prior to the Home Ministers" Meeting in Sri
Lanka on 11 July 2017 and agreed to review “Guidelines and Procedures” for SVES.
23. Good Governance: is essential for achieving sustainable development in South Asia.
During the 18th SAARC Summit, the leaders reiterated their strong commitment to
promoting accountability, transparency, rule of law and people"s participation at all levels
of [Link] Cabinet Secretaries have met four times since 2008 in order to
discuss their professional issues such as administrative reform, procedural simplification
and implementation of development programs in SAARC countries. Their Fourth
Meeting held in Kathmandu in June 2016 shared best practices in their governance
system and discussed framework of collective cooperation for achieving regional
prosperity and welfare of the peoples. Back-to-back to the meeting, Nepal made a
presentation on the performance-based incentive system in Nepal.
Parliament members in the region are also interested in making SAARC effective
and people-centred organization. The International Relations and Labour
Committee of the Legislature-Parliament of Nepal convened "Regional
Conference on SAARC Effectiveness" in Kathmandu on 29-30 September 2016.
Chairpersons of Parliamentary Committees dealing with SAARC affairs from all
Member States attended the Conference. Prime Minister of Nepal inaugurated
the Conference. Regional experts in SAARC affairs presented papers on five
topics, i.e. overview of three decades of SAARC, economic cooperation,
fostering trust and understanding, deepening integration through enhanced
connectivity, and strengthening institutional mechanisms.
24. Non-Governmental and People to People Relations: There are 6 SAARC Apex
bodies and 18 Recognized bodies under SAARC at the non-governmental level, renewal
of status of which is pending now, subject to approval by upcoming Meeting of Council of
Ministers. SAARC accords the status of Apex and Recognized bodies to regional
organizations for the promotion of social, economic and cultural development in the
region in conformity with the SAARC Charter. The Standing Committee reviews the
performance of the bodies and makes recommendations to the Council of Ministers for
renewal of the period of recognition. The recognition for Apex bodies and Recognized
bodies is granted for a period of five years and three years, respectively.
25. SAARC Conventions and Agreements

SN Charter/Agreement/Convention/Protocol

1 SAARC Charter

2 Memorandum on the Establishment of the SAARC Secretariat

3 Agreement on Establishing the SAARC Food Security Reserve

4 Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism

5 Regional Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

6 Agreement on SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA)

7 SAARC Convention on Regional Arrangements for the Promotion of Child Welfare in South As

8 SAARC Convention on Preventing & Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitu

9 SAARC Social Charter

10 Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)

11 Additional Protocol to the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism

12 Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters

13 Agreement on the Establishment of SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO)

14 Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matt
 Joint Declaration on the Admission of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan into the South Asian
15
(SAARC)

16 Agreement on the Establishing the SAARC Food Bank

17 Agreement for Establishment of South Asian University

18 SAARC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Nepal & Pakistan yet to ratify A

19 Protocol of Accession of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Agreement on South Asian Free Tr

Agreement on the Establishment of

20
South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO)

21 Charter of the SAARC Development Fund

22 SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS)

23 SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment

24 SAARC Agreement on Multilateral Arrangement on Recognition of Conformity Assessment

 25 SAARC Agreement on Implementation of Regional Standards

26 SAARC Agreement on Rapid Response to Natural Disasters

27 Agreement on Establishing the SAARC Seed Bank

28 SAARC Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation (Electricity) (Pakistan yet to ratify the A

26. Nepal and SAARC

27. As one of the founding members and current Chair of SAARC, Nepal remains
committed to the noble principles and purposes of SAARC Charter for realizing
shared goals of regional peace, stability and prosperity. That Nepal hosts the
SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu since 1987 is a testament of her unwavering
commitments to carry forward SAARC process in mutual interests of Member
States and the peoples in the region. Since the very inception of this regional
forum, Nepal has been playing a constructive role in promoting and enhancing
collaboration, partnerships in the agreed areas of cooperation for common
interests and benefits. Out of 18 SAARC Summits, Nepal attended five Summits
(1st to 4th and 13th) at the level of the Head of State and the rest were attended at
the level of the Head of Government. Nepal successfully hosted the 3 rd,, 11th and
18th Summits in Kathmandu in 1987, 2002 and 2014 respectively.
Nepal also hosts the SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre (STAC) in
Bhaktapur. The STAC commenced functioning as SAARC TB Centre in 1994
and was renamed as SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre in November
2007. The Centre has been supporting the National TB Control Programs of the
SAARC Member States. Mr. Yadab Kant Silwal and former Foreign Secretary Mr.
Arjun Bahadur Thapa served as the fourth (1 January 1994 to 31 December
1995) and 12th (March 2014-February 2017) Secretary-General of SAARC.
SAARC Apex and Recognized Bodies
28. The SAARC Apex bodies and the SAARC Recognized bodies work in collaboration with
SAARC, especially to promote people-to-people contacts in the region and to foster
mutual understanding and goodwill among the peoples of South Asia. Currently, the
status of recognition of all the Apex and Recognized Bodies as follows remains expired.
SAARC Apex Bodies
1. SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI)
 2. SAARCLAW
3. South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC)
4. South Asia Foundation (SAF)
5. South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA)
6. Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL)
SAARC Recognized Bodies
7. Association of Management and Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDISA)
8. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation of Architects (SAARCH)
9. Federation of State Insurance Organizations of SAARC Countries (FSIO)
10. SAARC Diploma Engineers (SDEF)
11. Radiological Society of SAARC Countries (RSSC)
12. SAARC Teachers Federation (STF)
13. SAARC Surgical Care Society (SSCS)
14. South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA)
15. SAARC Women"s Association (SWA)
16. Hindukush Himalayan Grassroots Women"s Natural Resources Management
(HIMAWANTI)
17. Federation of Association of Pediatric Surgeons of SAARC Countries (FAPSS)
18. South Asian Federation of Exchanges (SAFE)
19. SAARC Federation of Oncologist (SFO)
20. South Asia Association of National Scout Organization (SAANSO)
21. South Asian Network of Economic Research Institute (SANEI)
22. SAARC Academy of Ophthalmology
23. South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF)
24. Self-employed Women"s Association (SEWA)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Regional Organizations Division
July 2024

Nepal and BIMSTEC

1. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) came into being on 6 June 1997 through adoption of the Bangkok
Declaration. Its predecessor association is BISTEC, that is, Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-
Thailand Economic Cooperation. With the membership of Myanmar on 22 December
1997, this regional forum got its current nomenclature as endorsed by the first BIMSTEC
Summit held in Bangkok in 2004. As an inter-governmental body of seven Member
States, it represents a synergetic bridge between two vibrant regions: South Asia and
South East Asia.
As enshrined in the Charter, BIMSTEC aims to create an enabling environment for rapid
economic development; accelerate social progress; maintain peace and stability; and
promote collaboration, mutual assistance on matters of common interests in the Bay of
Bengal region. Home to more than 1.8 billion population with a combined GDP of over
4.5 trillion USD, BIMSTEC Members comprise of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and
Sri Lanka from South Asia; and Myanmar, Thailand from South East Asia. Its
Secretariat is seated in Dhaka. Nepal and Bhutan joined BIMSTEC on 8 February 2004.
Areas of Cooperation
2. Initially, BIMSTEC had identified 14 priority areas of cooperation. As agreed in the fifth
BIMSTEC Summit held in Colombo in 2022, they are now consolidated into following 7
core sectors and 14 sub-sectors for strengthened regional cooperation:
I) Trade, Investment and Development [1 Sub-Sector: Blue Economy], Lead Country:
Bangladesh
II) Environment and Climate Change [1 Sub-Sector: Mountain Economy], Lead
Country: Bhutan
III) Agriculture and Food Security [2 Sub-sectors: Agriculture; Fisheries and
Livestock], Lead Country: Myanmar
IV) People-to-People Contact [4 Sub-sectors: Culture; Tourism; Poverty Alleviation; and
People-to-People Contact Forums], Lead Country: Nepal
V) Security [3 Sub-sectors: Energy; Disaster Management; and Counter Terrorism and
Transnational Crime], Lead Country: India
VI) Science, Technology and Innovation [3 Sub-sectors: Technology; Health; and
Human Resource Development], Lead Country: Sri Lanka
VII) Connectivity, Lead Country: Thailand
Institutional Mechanisms
3. BIMSTEC Summit is the highest policymaking body in BIMSTEC process and is
comprised of Heads of State/Government of Member States. It deliberates and takes
decisions on vital policy questions related to the organization; addresses emergency
situations; decides on admission of new Member or observer; and authorizes to
establish or dissolve organizational bodies/entities. The Summit is organized once every
two years by a Member State holding BIMSTEC Chairship. So far, five Summits have
been held in 2004 (Bangkok), 2008 (New Delhi), 2014 (Nay Pyi Taw), 2018 (Kathmandu)
and 2022 (Colombo) respectively. The chairmanship of BIMSTEC rotates among
Member States according to alphabetical order of their English names. Thailand is the
current Chair of BIMSTEC who took over BIMSTEC Chairship after the Colombo Summit
in March 2022. Nepal was the Chair from 2014 to August 2018.
The erstwhile Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Nepal Mr. K. P. Sharma Oli chaired the fourth
BIMSTEC Summit held in Kathmandu on 30-31 August 2018 under the theme “Towards
a Peaceful, Prosperous and Sustainable Bay of Bengal Region”. The Summit
deliberated on the existing status of cooperation under BIMSTEC and took a number of
decisions to gear up the regional process. During the Summit, MoU for establishment of
BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection, 2018 was signed.
The Fifth BIMSTEC Summit was held in and from Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 30 March
2022 in a hybrid mode under the theme “BIMSTEC- Towards a Resilient Region,
Prosperous Economies, and Healthy People”. Attended by the Nepali delegation led by
Rt. Hon. Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba, then Prime Minister of Nepal, the Summit adopted
the BIMSTEC Charter that entered into force on 20 May 2024. In addition, BIMSTEC
Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters; MoU on the Establishment
of BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility; MoU on Mutual Cooperation between
Diplomatic Academies/Training Institutions of BIMSTEC Member States; and BIMSTEC
Master Plan for Transport Connectivity were signed during this Summit.
4. Ministerial Meeting (MM) is yet another significant policy-making body within
BIMSTEC, comprising the External/Foreign Ministers of Member States. Its Meeting is
 held annually. It performs the functions of coordinating overall cooperation; preparing the
Summit; implementing agreements and decisions of the Summit; liaising with Sectoral
Ministerial bodies to enhance policy coherence and efficiency; appointing Secretary
General (Ambassadorial level) and approving the budget of BIMSTEC Secretariat,
Centres/Entities, among others. The 19th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting (MM) was held
on 09 March 2023 virtually in Bangkok, Thailand. Prior to the fifth Summit, the
Eighteenth Ministerial Meeting was held on 29 March 2022, preceded by the Twenty
Second Session of the BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (28 March 2022).
5. BIMSTEC Sectoral Ministerial Meeting comprises of relevant Ministers of line
ministries who are mandated to carry out regional cooperation activities in their
respective sectors. It meets as and when necessary to be hosted and chaired by Lead
Country of a particular sector. This body carries out the functions such as implementing
agreements and decisions of the Summit in their respective purview; strengthening
cooperation in their sectors for realizing Charterial objectives; presenting reports and
recommendations to BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting for consideration of the Summit; and
assessing, approving and taking actions on deliberations of BIMSTEC Sectoral Senior
Officials" Meeting.
6. Senior Officials" Meeting (SOM) precedes the Ministerial Meeting and is represented
by Senior Officials (Foreign Secretaries/Secretaries/appropriate officials) as nominated
by the Member States. Its Meeting is held once a year. It executes the functions such as
preparing for and implementing agreement, decisions of BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting;
coordinating with Sectoral Bodies in sectors (with no Ministerial Body); approving and
taking actions on deliberations of BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee; and
undertaking other functions as assigned.
The SOM reports to the Ministerial Meeting. Till date, 23 Sessions of SOM have been
held, latest one virtually in Bangkok, Thailand on 08 March 2023. Nepal convened
Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Session of SOM in Kathmandu in February
2017, August 2017 and August 2018 respectively. Senior Officials" Meeting (SOM) is
also divided into the area of Foreign Affairs (SOM) and the area of Trade and Economic
Affairs (Senior Trade/Economic Officials" Meeting - STEOM) which are headed by the
Senior Officials of foreign affairs, and trade and economic affairs respectively.
7. BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC) is a body of National Focal Points
(Joint Secretaries/Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) at appropriate
senior level of Member States. The Fourth Summit held in Kathmandu in 2018 decided
to establish BPWC and its Meeting is held at least twice a year. It discusses overall
matters including administrative and budgetary matters of BIMSTEC Secretariat and
Centres/entities; prepare organizational calendar of activities; prioritizes, rationalizes
BIMSTEC activities; prepares for and reports to the Senior Officials" Meeting; and
undertakes such other functions. The current Charter has recognized BPWC as one of
important Charter bodies of BIMSTEC. The Seventh BPWC Meeting was held on 1
August 2024 in a virtual mode to undertake the preparatory works for upcoming sixth
BIMSTEC Summit to be held in Bangkok on 1-4 September 2024.
8. BIMSTEC Secretariat is an administrative body responsible for over-all coordination
related to the activities of the organization. Following the signing of MoA on the
Establishment of Permanent BIMSTEC Secretariat in the Fifth BIMSTEC Summit held in
Colombo in 2022, it was inaugurated in Dhaka on 13 September 2014. The Secretariat
is headed by Secretary General who is appointed for a non-renewal three-year tenure by
the Ministerial Meeting upon recommendation of Senior Officials" Meeting as per the
nomination of a Member State in an alphabetical order. S/he holds an ambassadorial
rank.
The Secretary General is entrusted with the responsibilities of coordinating, facilitating
 and monitoring progress in implementing BIMSTEC agreements, decisions; representing
BIMSTEC in meetings with external parties; and submitting annual report on the works
of the organization to the Ministerial Meeting, among others. Seven Directors- one from
each Member State- and other administrative staff assist the Secretary General in
administering the day-to-day functions of the organization. H.E. Mr. Indra Mani Pandey,
a senior diplomat from India, is the current Secretary General of BIMSTEC who took
over the assignment in that capacity on 04 January 2024. Earlier, H.E. Mr. Sumith
Nakandala from Sri Lanka served as the first Secretary General for a tenure from 10
August 2014 to 14 September 2017 while H.E. Mr. M. Shahidul Islam from Bangladesh
(21 September 2017 to 20 September 2020) and H.E. Mr. Tenzin Lekphell from Bhutan
(6 November 2020 to 5 November 2023) served as the second and third Secretaries-
General respectively.
9. BIMSTEC Business Forum and Economic Forum are two important forums under the
Senior Trade/Economic Officials" Meeting (STEOM) that ensure active participation of
the private sector in BIMSTEC activities. In Business Forum, private sector
representatives from BIMSTEC Member States meet and discuss various issues
including trade and investment. The outcomes of the Business Forum are presented to
the Economic Forum where the private sectors have an opportunity to discuss with
representatives from the public sector of the Member States. The Economic Forum
reports the outcomes of its meetings to the STEOM.
Cooperation Initiatives in BIMSTEC
10. People-to-People Contact Sector: Nepal is the lead country for coordinating overall
activities in the People-to-People Contact Sector, with Culture; Tourism; Poverty
Alleviation; and People-to-People Contact Forums as its sub-sectors.
i) Culture
Recognizing the pluralistic nature of societies, shared cultural heritage and rich diversity
of languages, arts, crafts, and traditions, culture was included as one of sub-sectors of
BIMSTEC cooperation in December 2005 as endorsed by the 8th BIMSTEC Ministerial
Meeting. Buddhism remains a connecting thread among the peoples of the region in this
regard. The enhanced collaboration in this area is crucial to further strengthen historic
cultural ties and promote mutual respect, tolerance for cultural diversity in the region.
Institutional mechanisms in Culture Sub-Sector are:
a) BIMSTEC Culture Ministers" Meeting
b) BIMSTEC Expert Group on Cultural Cooperation
c) BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Commission and BIMSTEC Cultural Industries
Observatory
ii) Tourism
The Second BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting (18-19 December 1998, Dhaka) identified
tourism as one of the areas of cooperation in BIMSTEC. The tourism potentials are
substantial, given the region"s cultural diversity and natural beauty. The Fourth
BIMSTEC Summit emphasized on developing and promoting the Buddhist Tourist
Circuit, Temple Tourist Circuit, ancient cities trail, eco-tourism, and medical tourism,
among others. Nepal organized the "BIMSTEC Tourism Fair 2023" in Lumbini on 11-13
May 2023 together with the Buddhist International Travel Mart to commemorate the
Silver Jubilee Celebration of the establishment of BIMSTEC. Institutional mechanisms in
Tourism Sub-Sector are:
a) BIMSTEC Tourism Ministers" Roundtable
b) BIMSTEC Working Group on Tourism
c) BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators
iii) Poverty Alleviation
Initially, Poverty Alleviation was not included in the Sectors of cooperation within
 BIMSTEC. The 19th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting (09 March 2023, Bangkok) endorsed
inclusion of poverty alleviation as a sub-sector under People-to-People Contact upon
recommendation by the 23rd Session of BIMSTEC SOM held virtually 08 March 2023.
Institutional Mechanisms in this Sub-Sector are:
a) BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Poverty Alleviation
b) BIMSTEC Senior Officials" Meeting on Poverty Alleviation
c) BIMSTEC Expert Group Meeting on Poverty Alleviation
iv) People-to-People Contacts Forums
People-to-People Contact sector was included as an area of cooperation during the First
BIMSTEC Summit held on 31 July 2004 in Bangkok, Thailand. BIMSTEC Network of
Policy Think Tanks (BNPTT), BIMSTEC Visa Scheme, and BIMSTEC forums for
parliamentarians, academia, research institutes, cultural organizations, and the media
community were included to promote people-to-people contact at various levels in the
Bay of Bengal region by creating a deeper understanding and trust across the region.
Institutional mechanisms in this sub-sector are:
a. BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks (BNPTT)
b. Association of BIMSTEC Speakers and Parliamentarians
c. BIMSTEC Expert Group on VISA Matters
11. Trade, Investment and Development: With high prospects of intra-regional trade,
investment and economic partnerships among Member States in the region, this sector
has acquired great priority ever since the genesis of BIMSTEC. Bangladesh is the Lead
Country for regional cooperation in this sector, comprising Blue Economy as its sub-
sector.
The framework agreement for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was agreed upon in 2004
with the objective of (i) strengthening and enhancing economic, trade and investment
cooperation among the Parties; (ii) progressive liberalization and promotion of trade in
goods and services, creating a transparent, liberal and facilitative investment regime; (iii)
exploring new areas and developing appropriate measures for closer cooperation among
the Parties; and (iv) facilitating a more effective economic integration of the least
developed countries in the region, and bridging the development gap among the parties.
Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) was established as an institutional arrangement to
conduct the negotiations as set out in the BISMTEC FTA. The TNC is currently engaged
in the negotiations to conclude the following Constituent Agreements/Protocols which
would form integral part of the BIMSTEC FTA:
 Agreement on Trade in Goods of the Framework Agreement on the BIMSTEC FTA;
 Agreement on Trade in Services of the Framework Agreement on the BIMSTEC FTA;
 Agreement on Investment of the Framework Agreement on the BIMSTEC FTA;
 Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters for the
BIMSTEC FTA;
 Agreement on Rules of Origin and Operational Certification Procedures for the
BIMSTEC FTA;
 Agreement on Trade Facilitation for the Framework Agreement on BIMSTEC FTA;
 Second Protocol to amend the Framework Agreement on the BIMSTEC Free Trade
Area;
The mechanisms in this Sector are:
a) Trade and Economic Ministerial Meeting (TEMM)
b) Senior Trade and Economic Officials" Meeting (STEOM)
c) Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) and its 7 Working Groups (Working Group on
Trade in Goods; Working Group on Rules of Origin; Working Group on Trade in
Services; Working Group on Investment; Working Group on Legal Experts; Working
Group on Customs Cooperation; and Working Group on Trade Facilitation;)
 d) BIMSTEC Economic Forum
e) BIMSTEC Business Forum
12. Environment and Climate Change: Bhutan leads regional cooperation in this Sector,
comprising Mountain Economy as its sub-sector. BIMSTEC region is vulnerable to
natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes and cyclones that cause heavy damages
to human lives and property in the region. Equally vulnerable is this region to the
adverse impact of Climate Change. The melting of Himalayan Glaciers, Glacial Lake
Outburst Floods (GLOFS), erratic rainfall, floods and landslides in the plains and hills,
rise in sea level are not only posing threats to our sustainable development efforts but
also to our lives and property. It is therefore imperative to enhance cooperation in the
field of Environment and Climate Change to ensure a resilient and prosperous Bay of
Bengal region. Institutional mechanisms in this sector are:
a) Joint Working Group on Environment and Climate Change
b) Intergovernmental Expert Group to develop an action plan for Mountain Economy
13. Agriculture and Food Security: Agriculture largely constitutes a mainstay of BIMSTEC
economies and the livelihood of its people. Cooperation on sustainable agriculture and
food security is significantly beneficial to all Member States. Intensified cooperative
efforts have already been in effect to increase productivity and agricultural yields in the
region. Myanmar is the Lead Country for promoting and enhancing regional collaboration
in this sector, comprising agriculture; and Fisheries & Livestock as its sub-sectors.
Institutional mechanisms in this sector include:
a) BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture (BAMA) and the BIMSTEC Senior
Officials" Meeting on Agriculture (SOM-A)
b) BIMSTEC Expert Group Meeting on Agricultural Cooperation (EGMAC)
c) BIMSTEC Expert Group on Fisheries and Livestock
14. Security: Due to looming threats of terrorism, increasing trends of transnational
organized crime of different kinds, security has featured significantly on the agenda of
regional cooperation among BIMSTEC Member States. Both traditional and non-
traditional security challenges continue to pose threats to peace and stability in the
BIMSTEC region. BIMSTEC Member States have expressed their strong commitment to
combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Concrete measures have been
undertaken to step up cooperation and coordination among law enforcement,
intelligence and security organizations in this regard.
India is the Lead Country of this sector, comprising Counter Terrorism and
Transnational Crime (CTTC); Energy; and Disaster Management as its sub-sectors.
Institutional mechanisms in this sector include:
a) BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs Meeting
b) BIMSTEC Joint Working Group Meeting on Counter Terrorism and Transnational
Crime
c) BIMSTEC Sub-Group on Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics Drugs,
Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemical
d) BIMSTEC Sub-Group on Intelligence Sharing
e) BIMSTEC Sub-Group on Legal and Law Enforcement Issues
f) BIMSTEC Sub-Group on Anti- Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of
Terrorism
g) BIMSTEC Sub-Group on the Cooperation on Countering Radicalization and
Terrorism
h) BIMSTEC Sub-Group on Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration
15. Science, Technology and Innovation: is another important area of cooperation for
shared benefits of BIMSTEC Member States. The Memorandum of Association (MoA)
on the Establishment of the BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility (TTF) was signed in
the fifth BIMSTEC Summit held in Colombo in 2022. The TTF aims at coordinating,
facilitating and strengthening cooperation in technology transfer field among the
BIMSTEC Member States by promoting technology transfer, sharing of experiences and
capacity building programmes. The process to establish TTF in Sri Lanka is at its final
stage. Sri Lanka is the Lead Country of this sector, comprising Technology; Health; and
Human Resource Development as its sub-sectors. Institutional mechanisms in this
sector include:
a. Expert Group on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
b. BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility (TTF)
c. Expert Group on Public Health
d. BIMSTEC Task Force on Traditional Medicine (BTFTM)
e. Expert Group on Human Resource Development
16. Connectivity: is a crucial pillar of cooperation to bring about economic dynamism in
BIMSTEC region. Enhanced connectivity by road, rail, air and maritime is a great
enabler to accelerate economic growth, development and prosperity as well as
increased people-to-people contacts in the region. BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport
Connectivity, signed during the fifth BIMSTEC Summit in Colombo in 2022, envisions
creating a seamlessly interconnected Bay of Bengal region for shared regional peace,
stability and sustainability. Thailand is the Lead Country for strengthening regional
cooperation in this sector. Institutional mechanisms in this Sector are:
a) BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Work Group
b) BIMSTEC Working Group on Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation
c) BIMSTEC Working Group on Motor Vehicles Agreement
Regional Centres
17. There are two regional centres established under BIMSTEC as follows:
a) BIMSTEC Energy Centre ([Link]
b) BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate ([Link]
weather-and-climate)
Necessary preparations are underway to establish BIMSTEC Cultural Industries
Observatory and BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility in Thimpu, Bhutan and
Colombo, Sri Lanka respectively soon.
Convention/MoUs/Agreements concluded
18. The followings are a list of Convention, MoUs and agreements concluded in BIMSTEC
to carry forward BIMSTEC process:
i. Bangkok Declaration, 1997
ii. Framework Agreement on the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area, 2004
iii. Protocol to the Framework Agreement on BIMSTEC free Trade Area, 2004
iv. BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism,
Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, 2009
v. Memorandum of Association (MoA) among the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-
Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Member Countries for
Establishment of BIMSTEC Energy Centre, 2011
vi. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of the BIMSTEC Cultural
Industries Commission (BCIC) and BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory (BCIO),
2014
vii. Memorandum of Association (MoA) on the Establishment of the BIMSTEC
Permanent Secretariat, 2014
viii. Memorandum of Association (MoA) among the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-
 Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Member Countries
Concerning Establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate, 2014
ix. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid
Interconnection, 2018
x. The Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Cooperation between Diplomatic
Academies/ Training Institutions of BIMSTEC Member States, 2022
xi. The BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, 2022
xii. BIMSTEC Charter, 2022 (entry into force on 20 May 2024)
xiii. Memorandum of Association on the Establishment of BIMSTEC Technology Transfer
Facility, 2022
xiv. BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, 2022
BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers" Retreat
Thailand, the current Chair of BIMSTEC organized first BIMSTEC Foreign Minister"s
Retreat on 17 July 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. The erstwhile Foreign Minister Mr. N.P.
Saud attended the Retreat.
India hosted the second Retreat of Foreign Ministers of BIMSTEC Member States on
11-12 July 2024 in New Delhi. This Retreat reviewed status of progress in agreed areas
of cooperation within BIMSTEC and discussed organizational reform agendas as well
as regional and global issues of mutual interests in a more cordial and informal fashion.
Foreign/External Affairs Ministers: Dr. S. Jaishankar (India), Dr. Hasan Mahmud
(Bangladesh), Mr. Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel (Bhutan), Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa
(Thailand); Mr. Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and
Ms. Sewa Lamsal, Foreign Secretary of Nepal, attended the Retreat.
On the occasion, the visiting Foreign Ministers and Heads of delegation of BIMSTEC
Member States had a joint call on Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, in his
office in New Delhi.
The Retreat at the level of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers serves as a platform for
exchanging ideas and building on collective efforts to foster deeper regional
cooperation, mutual understanding, friendship and solidarity among Member States for
shared benefits.
Regional Organizations Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 2024

Nepal and Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD)

1. Asia Cooperation Dialogue was established on 18 June 2002. ACD aims to promote
interdependence among countries of Asia in all areas of cooperation. Thirty-five
countries of Asia are its members. ACD includes all members of some regional
groupings such as BIMSTEC, ASEAN, GCC, SCO, and SAARC except Maldives.
Permanent secretariat of ACD is located in Kuwait City.
2. ACD originally identified twenty areas of cooperation and now is consolidated into six
priority pillars, namely connectivity; science, technology and innovation; education and
human resource development; interrelation of food, energy and water security; culture
and tourism; and promoting approaches to inclusive and sustainable development. Each
area of cooperation is driven by a group of countries identified as prime or co-prime
movers. Nepal is a co-prime mover in culture and tourism sector.
 3. ACD has three main institutional mechanisms. ACD Summit is the apex decision-making
body. First and Second ACD Summits were held in Kuwait City on 15-17 October 2012
and Bangkok, Thailand on 8-10 October 2016 respectively. Nepal participated in the
2nd ACD Summit held in Bangkok. Third ACD Summit will be held in Qatar in 2024.
4. ACD Ministerial Meeting comprises of annual meeting of Foreign Ministers. Thailand
hosted the 14th Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok from 8-10 March 2016 which approved
Nepal"s membership and welcomed Nepal as its 34thmember.
5. Foreign Ministers also meet annually at the margin of UNGA. Hon. Foreign Minister
attended the 18th ACD Foreign Ministers" Meeting held in New York in September 2023
on the sideline of UNGA.
6. ACD Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) is attended by foreign secretaries or senior
government officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Member States.
7. Nepal has been participating in the activities/events of ACD.

Nepal and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

1. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established on 15 June 2001. It
aims to strengthen mutual confidence and good neighborly relations and promote
effective cooperation in politics, trade and economy, science and technology,
energy, counter-terrorism, among others.
2. China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan are its members. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia are the
observers and Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Lanka are
its dialogue partners.
3. SCO Secretariat is located in Beijing. SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure is
stationed in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic.
4. SCO has five institutional mechanisms. Council of Heads of State is the apex
body which holds its meeting once a year. Council of Heads of Government
(Prime Ministers) is the mechanism to approve SCO budget, consider and decide
upon mainly economic issues in its meeting every year. Council of Ministers of
Foreign Affairs considers issues related to SCO day-to-day activities, preparation
of meetings of the Council of Heads of State/Government, among others.
Meetings of Heads of Ministries and/or Agencies take place only if decided to
convene by the Heads of State/Government. Council of National Coordinators
prepares draft agenda and outcome documents for the meetings of Heads of
State/Government as well as those of all ministerial meetings.
5. Nepal joined SCO as Dialogue Partner after signing Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with SCO Secretariat on 22 March 2016. Foreign
Secretary H.E. Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi and SCO Secretary General H.E. Mr.
Rashid Alimov signed the Memorandum in SCO Secretariat in Beijing. The
Memorandum defines scope of Nepal"s engagement with SCO in the field of
trade, transit and investment, energy, agriculture, small and medium business;
security issues; legal and customs affairs; transport and communications;
science and technology, education, health, culture and tourism, and disasters.
6. Nepali Embassy in Beijing is working closely with SCO Secretariat. H.E.
Leelamani Poudyal paid a call on SCO Secretary General on 12 January 2017
 and both exchanged views on the possibility of collaboration between Nepal and
SCO with a view to promoting mutual interest.
7. Nepal participated in the “International Forum for SCO Member States on Legal
Service for Silk Road” held on 23-24 November 2016 in Yiwu, China. Secretary
of Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs led Nepali delegation to the
Forum. The Meeting agreed to harmonize legal documents of SCO Member
States in the implementation of Belt and Road Initiative.
8. Nepal took part in the High Level Special Event on “United Nations and SCO:
Jointly Countering Challenges and Threats”, held in New York, on 22 November
2016. Permanent Representative of Nepal to New York, H.E. Mr. Durga Prasad
Bhattarai attended the event. In his remarks, His Excellency Durga Prasad
Bhattarai, Ambassador/PR, shed light on the vision and priorities behind Nepal"s
joining the SCO, while expressing Nepal"s commitment to working with fellow
members in various areas of common interests.
9. Deputy Director of the Executive Committee of Regional Counter-Terrorism
Structure of SCO Mr. Zhon Qing held a meeting with Foreign Secretary H.E. Mr.
Shanker Das Bairagi at the latter"s office on 23 January 2017. Mr. Qing stated
that Memorandum on granting Nepal the status of dialogue partner of SCO has
laid solid basis for cooperation between Nepal and SCO. Mr. Bairagi expressed
Nepal"s full commitment to the implementation of MoU and also readiness to
conclude an additional protocol for deeper engagements within SCO Framework.
10. Nepal participated in the SCO Kunming International Marathon organized on the
occasion of 15th anniversary of SCO on 17 December 2016. Three Nepali
athletes took part in the event.
Nepal and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
1. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established on 15 June 2001. It
aims to strengthen mutual confidence and good neighborly relations and promote
effective cooperation in politics, trade and economy, science and technology,
energy, counter-terrorism, among others.
2. China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan are its members. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia are the
observers and Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Lanka are
its dialogue partners.
3. SCO Secretariat is located in Beijing. SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure is
stationed in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic.
4. SCO has five institutional mechanisms. Council of Heads of State is the apex
body which holds its meeting once a year. Council of Heads of Government
(Prime Ministers) is the mechanism to approve SCO budget, consider and decide
upon mainly economic issues in its meeting every year. Council of Ministers of
Foreign Affairs considers issues related to SCO day-to-day activities, preparation
of meetings of the Council of Heads of State/Government, among others.
Meetings of Heads of Ministries and/or Agencies take place only if decided to
convene by the Heads of State/Government. Council of National Coordinators
 prepares draft agenda and outcome documents for the meetings of Heads of
State/Government as well as those of all ministerial meetings.
5. Nepal joined SCO as Dialogue Partner after signing Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with SCO Secretariat on 22 March 2016. Foreign
Secretary H.E. Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi and SCO Secretary General H.E. Mr.
Rashid Alimov signed the Memorandum in SCO Secretariat in Beijing. The
Memorandum defines scope of Nepal"s engagement with SCO in the field of
trade, transit and investment, energy, agriculture, small and medium business;
security issues; legal and customs affairs; transport and communications;
science and technology, education, health, culture and tourism, and disasters.
6. Nepali Embassy in Beijing is working closely with SCO Secretariat. H.E.
Leelamani Poudyal paid a call on SCO Secretary General on 12 January 2017
and both exchanged views on the possibility of collaboration between Nepal and
SCO with a view to promoting mutual interest.
7. Nepal participated in the “International Forum for SCO Member States on Legal
Service for Silk Road” held on 23-24 November 2016 in Yiwu, China. Secretary
of Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs led Nepali delegation to the
Forum. The Meeting agreed to harmonize legal documents of SCO Member
States in the implementation of Belt and Road Initiative.
8. Nepal took part in the High Level Special Event on “United Nations and SCO:
Jointly Countering Challenges and Threats”, held in New York, on 22 November
2016. Permanent Representative of Nepal to New York, H.E. Mr. Durga Prasad
Bhattarai attended the event. In his remarks, His Excellency Durga Prasad
Bhattarai, Ambassador/PR, shed light on the vision and priorities behind Nepal"s
joining the SCO, while expressing Nepal"s commitment to working with fellow
members in various areas of common interests.
9. Deputy Director of the Executive Committee of Regional Counter-Terrorism
Structure of SCO Mr. Zhon Qing held a meeting with Foreign Secretary H.E. Mr.
Shanker Das Bairagi at the latter"s office on 23 January 2017. Mr. Qing stated
that Memorandum on granting Nepal the status of dialogue partner of SCO has
laid solid basis for cooperation between Nepal and SCO. Mr. Bairagi expressed
Nepal"s full commitment to the implementation of MoU and also readiness to
conclude an additional protocol for deeper engagements within SCO Framework.
10. Nepal participated in the SCO Kunming International Marathon organized on the
occasion of 15th anniversary of SCO on 17 December 2016. Three Nepali
athletes took part in the event.

Nepali Missions with Concurrent

Accreditation
Concurrent Accreditation of Nepali Missions Abroad
 Name and Address of Residential Non-residential Concurrent
[Link]. Embassies Accreditation

1. Fiji
2. New Zealand
3. Papua New Guinea
4. Vanuatu
5. Tuvalu
6. Solomon Islands
7. Samoa
8. Republic of Palau
9. Republic of Nauru
1 Embassy of Nepal, Canberra(Australia) 10. Republic of the Marshall Isla
11. Kingdom of Tonga

2 Embassy of Nepal, Manama(Bahrain)

3 Embassy of Nepal, Dhaka(Bangladesh)

1. Luxembourg
4 Embassy of Nepal, Brussels (Belgium) 2. The Netherlands

5 Embassy of Nepal, Brasilia (Brazil) 1. Argentina

2. Bolivia
3. Chile
4. Colombia
5. Guyana
6. Paraguay
7. Peru
8. St. Vincent and Grenadines
9. Uruguay
10. Venezuela
11. Antigua and Barbuda
12. Saint Kitts and Nevis
13. Suriname
 14. St. Lucia
15. Commonwealth of Dominica
16. Barbados
17. Republic of Trinidad and Tob

1. Cuba
2. Jamaica
3. Dominican Republic
6 Embassy of Nepal, Ottawa (Canada) 4. Haiti

1. DPR of Korea
7 Embassy of Nepal, Beijing (China) 2. Mongolia

1. Finland
2. Norway
3. Sweden
4. Iceland
5. Latvia
Embassy of Nepal, 6. Lithuania
8 Copenhagen (Denmark) 7. Estonia

9 Embassy of Nepal, Cairo (Egypt) 1. Algeria

2. Ethiopia
3. Lebanon
4. Libya
5. Morocco
6. Nigeria
7. Syria
8. Tunisia
9. Mali
10. Mauritania
11. Rep. of Guinea
12. Jordan
13. Sudan
14. Uganda
15. Republic of Djibouti
16. Eritrea
17. Niger
18. Rwanda
19. Republic of South Sudan
 20. Togo/Togolese Republic
21. Ghana
22. The Gambia
23. Sierra Leone
24. Republic of Cameroon

1. Andorra
2. Monaco
10 Embassy of Nepal, Paris (France) 3. Portugal

1. Czech Republic
2. Holy See
3. Romania
4. Poland
5. Ukraine
6. Serbia
7. Slovakia
8. Bulgaria
11 Embassy of Nepal, Berlin (Germany) 9. Hungary

12 Embassy of Nepal, Spain (Madrid)

1. Malta

1. Afghanistan
13 Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi (India) 2. Bhutan

14 Embassy of Nepal, Tel Aviv ( Israel) 1. Cyprus

15 Embassy of Nepal, Tokyo(Japan)

Embassy of Nepal, Seoul (Republic of

16 Korea)

17 Embassy of Nepal, Kuwait City (Kuwait) [Link]

18 Embassy of Nepal, Muscat (Oman)

19 Embassy of Nepal, Kuala Lumpur 1. Indonesia

 2. Brunei Darussalam
(Malaysia) 3. The Philippines
4. Timor-Leste

20 Embassy of Nepal, Yangon (Myanmar)

1. Turkey
2. Tajikistan
3. Kyrgyzstan
21 Embassy of Nepal, Islamabad (Pakistan) 4. Turkmenistan
5. Uzbekistan

22 Embassy of Nepal, Doha (Qatar)

1. Iran

1. Belarus
2. Kazakhstan
3. Moldova
4. Georgia
Embassy of Nepal, Moscow (Russian 5. Armenia
23 Federation) 6. Azerbaijan

1. Somalia
24 Embassy of Nepal, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) 2. Yemen

25 Embassy of Nepal, Pretoria (South 1. Botswana

Africa) 2. Kenya
3. Lesotho
4. Congo (DRC)
5. Tanzania
6. Zambia
7. Zimbabwe
8. Gabon
9. Mozambique
10. Mauritius
11. Seychelles
12. Cóte d’ Ivoire
13. Cabo Verde
14. Liberia
15. Angola
16. Burkina Faso
17. Benin
18. Burundi
19. Madagascar
 20. Equatorial Guinea
21. Eswatini
22. Republic of Malawi

26 Embassy of Nepal, Colombo (Sri Lanka) 1. Maldives

1. Singapore
2. Cambodia
3. Laos
27 Embassy of Nepal, Bangkok (Thailand) 4. Vietnam

Embassy of Nepal, Abu Dhabi (United

28 Arab Emirates)

Embassy of Nepal, London (United

29 Kingdom) 1. Ireland

1. Panama
2. Costa Rica
3. Mexico
4. El Salvador
5. Honduras
6. Guatemala
30 Embassy of Nepal, Washington DC(USA) 7. Bahamas
8. Belize

Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN, 1. Ecuador

31 New York 2. Nicaragua

1. Italy
Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN 2. San Marino
32 and Other International 3. Liechtenstein
Organizations/Embassy of Nepal, Geneva
 (Switzerland)

1. Albania
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Croatia
4. Greece
Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN 5. Macedonia
and Other International Organizations/ 6. Montenegro
33 Embassy of Nepal, Vienna, (Austria) 7. Slovenia

Nepal’s Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy of Nepal

 The fundamental objective of Nepal’s foreign
policy is to enhance the dignity of the nation by safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity,
independence, and promoting economic wellbeing and prosperity of Nepal. It is also aimed
at contributing to global peace, harmony and security.
Nepal’s foreign policy is guided by the following basic principles:

1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty;

2. Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs;
3. Respect for mutual equality;
4. Non-aggression and the peaceful settlement of disputes;
5. Cooperation for mutual benefit;
6. Abiding faith in the Charter of the United Nations;
7. Value of world peace.
Provisions of the Constitution of Nepal on National Interest and Foreign
Policy
National Interest (Article 5.1)
Safeguarding of the freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, nationality, independence and
dignity of Nepal, the rights of the Nepalese people, border security, economic wellbeing and
prosperity shall be the basic elements of the national interest of Nepal.

Directive Principles (Article 50.4)

The State shall direct its international relations towards enhancing the dignity of the nation
in the world community by maintaining international relations on the basis of sovereign
equality, while safeguarding the freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence
and national interest of Nepal.
State Policy (Article 51)
1. To conduct an independent foreign policy based on the Charter of the United
Nations, non-alignment, principles of Panchasheel, international law and the
norms of world peace, taking into consideration of the overall interest of the
nation, while remaining active in safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial
integrity, independence and national interest of Nepal,
2. To review treaties concluded in the past, and make treaties, agreements
based on equality and mutual interest.

Nepal’s Multilateral Affairs

Nepal-UN Relations
A. Introduction
Nepal became a member of the United Nations when the United Nations
General Assembly adopted the resolution A/Res/995(X) on 14 December
1955. Nepal has remained active in the Organization ever since, with a
steadfast commitment to its purposes and principles, and anchoring
multilateral diplomacy to realize a just, peaceful and equitable world order as
set out in its Charter.
The Constitution of Nepal stipulates that the foreign policy of Nepal shall be
based on the Charter of the United Nations, non-alignment, and principles of
Panchsheel, international law and the norms of world peace.
Nepal has consistently accorded its relations with the United Nations a high
priority in the conduct of international relations, demonstrated also by the
fact that the Heads of State or Government have usually led Nepal’s
delegation to the annual sessions of the General Assembly.
B. Major Engagements of Nepal in the United Nations
The United Nations is at the center of Nepal’s multilateral diplomacy.
Accordingly, Nepal has remained active across all pillars of the United
Nations: peace and security; development; and human rights and
humanitarian issues. While Nepal has an abiding faith in the UN Charter, it
firmly holds the view that the faithful adherence to the purposes and
principles of the UN can ensure international peace and security. In this vein,
Nepal has consistently stood for a world that affords everlasting peace and
security to all countries, pivoting our diplomatic efforts in the UN around the
development of norms and rules to realize a comity of nations.
This overarching objective also reinforces Nepal’s call for time-bound,
general and complete disarmament of nuclear weapons and other weapons
of mass destruction in the United Nations, reflecting a fundamental tenet of
our foreign policy.
The purposes and principles of the UN guided our work when we served as a
non-permanent member of the Security Council during 1969-70 and 1988-
89.
Nepal is a founding member of the Non-aligned Movement, and it believes
that “Bandung Principles” are time tested principles for peaceful
international order where all countries have equitable and dignified
participation irrespective of their size, economic prowess or military might.
Nepal has championed the cause of decolonization and disarmament in the
UN processes. In its journey as a responsible member of the UN family, Nepal
has taken various responsibilities in multiple UN bodies. In the same vein,
Nepal will take the Chair of the First Committee (Disarmament and
International Security) of the UN General Assembly during its 81 st session
(September 2025 to September 2026).
Likewise, Nepal has been contributing to the maintenance of international
peace and security through our consistent participation in UN mandated
peacekeeping operations since 1958. Nepal is proud as it is, currently, the
largest troops and police contributing country.
Similarly, Nepal has played an active role in the development pillar, often in
leading capacities to shape the international economic and financial order in
favor of developing countries. As part of G-77 & China, Nepal has firmly
supported the reform of the global trading system, and global economic and
financial architecture to make them fair and equitable which would provide
fair and equitable opportunity to the developing countries for the prosperity
of the poorest people.
Nepal is currently (2024-2026) a member of the ECOSOC, where we have
pledged to leverage the complementarities across various global policy
frameworks to realize the sustainable development goals. Similarly, Nepal
presented its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) report to the ECOSOC
High-level Political Forum that reviewed the implementation of Sustainable
Development Goals this year (2024). The first and the second VNRs were
presented in 2017 and 2020.
Nepal chaired the Bureau of the Economic and Financial Committee of the
General Assembly (Second Committee) during the 75th Session (September
2020 to September 2021); and was its Rapporteur during the 76 th session
(September 2021 to September 2022).
Nepal is also chairing the Global Coordination Bureau of the Least Developed
Countries (LDCs) from 2023 to 2026, coinciding with our graduation from this
category by the end of 2026.
Previously, Nepal served in the same capacity during 2009-2012, leading the
negotiations and adoption of the Istanbul Programme of Action from the
fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries.
Every year, as a member of G-77 & China, and also individually, Nepal
actively negotiates, cosponsors and plays its part to adopt a number of
resolutions that shape global development agenda and help accelerate the
implementation of sustainable development goals as well as other
internationally agreed upon goals.
Third, Nepal is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights,
having ratified seven core human rights conventions ICCPR, ICESCR, ICERD,
CEDAW, CAT, CRC and CRPD. In total, Nepal is a state party to 24
international human rights conventions. The constitution of Nepal
incorporates a comprehensive set of fundamental rights, which includes
rights for women, children, poor, disabled and indigenous peoples, among
others.
Reflective of our status as a liberal and progressive country in terms of
human rights, Nepal cosponsors a number of resolutions on literacy, violence
against women, trafficking of women and girls, issues regarding children,
right to food and human rights in the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural
Issues Committee of the General Assembly (Third Committee). We actively
participate in the negotiations and adoption of resolutions in the Committee.
Nepal also served as a member of the Human Rights Council from 2018 to
2023 for two consecutive terms, and has presented its reports to the first,
second and third cycle of Universal Periodic Reviews in 2011, 2015 and
2021. We actively engage in the annual sessions of Human Rights Council
and cosponsor a number of thematic resolutions that advance civil, political,
social, economic and cultural rights.
Nepal is also elected to the Executive Board of UN-Women for the term 2025-
2027.
Besides, Ms. Bandana Rana has been elected for the third consecutive period
in the CEDAW Committee for 2025-2028 with the highest number of votes
(146) on 7 June 2024. She was first elected to the Committee for the period
2017-2020.
In addition, Nepal actively participates in the processes related to the
development and codification of international law.
At present, we have three permanent missions in New York, Geneva and
Vienna, representing Nepal at the United Nations.
C. Nepal-UN Partnership
The United Nations has been a longstanding partner of Nepal, providing
assistance in areas as diverse as social and economic development,
governance and human rights, disaster management and recovery. Its
presence in Nepal can be traced back to 1951–even before Nepal became a
UN member–when the Food and Agricultural Organization opened its office in
Kathmandu.
At present, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kathmandu leads all UN agencies
and entities, known collectively as the UN Country Team (UNCT), working in
Nepal. Currently, there are 17 UN agencies with resident offices, and a
further 9 agencies have their programs in Nepal[1]. The UN Sustainable
Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) provides the strategic
framework for Nepal-UN partnership for the period 2023-2027.
Following the adoption of 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development
Goals, the United Nations General Assembly also reformed the UN
development system, repositioning it to the attainment of sustainable
development goals in the program countries. Accordingly, the Frameworks
were developed for strategic coordination and implementation of the
activities of all the UN agencies, enhancing the effectiveness and impact of
the UN Development System to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.