Foreign Minister Khanal: Nepal Committed to Reviewing Treaties

Kathmandu. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has stated that the government is committed to reviewing, amending, or renewing bilateral and multilateral treaties and agreements as needed, keeping Nepal's interests at the center. He expressed this view while speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives on Monday. Minister Khanal further clarified that the review of treaties and agreements, in accordance with international law and diplomatic practice, depends on the mutual consent and approval of the concerned parties and international organizations. He stated that treaties and agreements will be reviewed at an appropriate time in cooperation with friendly nations and international organizations, keeping Nepal's interests in mind. He mentioned that the review of treaties and agreements within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant ministries is underway. He also informed that negotiations are being advanced through diplomatic channels with the concerned friendly nations and international organizations, and treaties and agreements reached by mutual consent are being finalized. Speaking in parliament, Minister Khanal said, 'In accordance with the general principles of international law regarding treaties, it is a practice of international law and diplomacy that the review, amendment, or renewal of any bilateral or multilateral treaty and agreement depends on the mutual consent and approval of the concerned parties or international organizations.' Further clarifying the government's commitment to this process, he added, 'The Government of Nepal is committed to reviewing treaties and agreements as needed in cooperation with friendly nations and organizations, keeping Nepal's interests at the center and at an appropriate time. However, the ministry is advancing the work in a systematic, effective, and timely manner based on priorities.' Discussing the coordination among ministries, he said, 'Continuous cooperation is ongoing for the review of treaties and agreements within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all other relevant ministries. Negotiations are being advanced through diplomatic channels with the concerned friendly nations and organizations, and treaties reached by mutual agreement are also being finalized. I would like to inform that the progress is also being made regularly according to the annual work plan by setting available human resources, means, and priorities.' Foreign Minister Khanal stated that the ministry is regularly advancing the work of reviewing treaties and agreements and their progress according to the annual work plan, based on available human resources and means, and by setting priorities.