Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Monday, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said his country was committed to fostering good relations with both the neighbors, India and China, in a "balanced" manner, and also mentioned that there were parts of friction between Nepal and the neighboring countries, which, he said, were "natural." Issues, he said, could be resolved through "open dialogue."
Speaking at a book release function, Oli said, "We make sure that our territory is not utilized against any of our neighbors." He underlined Nepal's policy of having "good and friendly relations with both the neighbors in a balanced way, upholding honesty and neutrality." A wily 72-year-old four-time prime minister, he said, "rowdy skirmishes" occasionally take place with the neighbors but can be sorted out through honest discussions.
Oli said the problems could be evaded for not going after justifiable and appropriate solutions on the basis of facts and evidences besides adhering to the international commitments. "We should not dwell more on the issues," he added, speaking as the chief guest at the book release.
He further went on to stress Nepal's line in United Nations' principles and commitment for neutral and peaceful resolutions of conflicts making it an excuse for internal flaws.
Meanwhile, Oli urged India to accept the Nepal-India EPG report, which includes recommendations regarding the review of the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty. He felt that this initiation would help in dialogue about the border and other issues.
Backtracking to his last stint, Oli fondly remembers inking the Trade and Transit Treaty with China as a sign of a big milestone. Successively, inking the treaty in 2016, gave the provision for landlocked Nepal to offer both Chinese send and land ports for international trade.
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