Kathmandu, Jan 14: Nepali Congress leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has said the shared experiences of history and common aspirations of our peoples in changing times, Nepal-Britain relations remain as relevant and strong today as they have been historically. Democracy, human rights, pluralism and people-centered good governance are common aspirations of our peoples, commitment of our parties and governments, Dr Koirala said in his speech delivered at the British Parliament (Westminster) on ‘Nepal-Britain Relations and Future Aspirations’ on Monday.
Dr Koirala said that common interests have brought Nepal and Britain together and we regard our excellent and enduring friendship with Britain as being in our permanent national interest. “We continue to uphold and stand by shared and common interests. This historic friendship is marked by strong bilateral relations nurtured by growing people-to-people interactions.”
Dr Koirala stated that the distinguished service of the Gurkhas in the British Army has been central to our bicentennial diplomatic journey. “Irrespective of chances over 200 years, our relations have stood the test of time, with people to people connections at the core.
Dr Koirala viewed that service of the Gurkhas is central to our long-standing relations and added that a bilateral committee is looking at some of their grievances. He said, “In the spirit of our deep friendship, and the professional dedication and personal sacrifices of the ex-Gurkhas for the British honour. I urge the committee to resolve the just demands of the Gurkhs without delay.”
Leader Dr Koirala stated that the 1924 Treaty of Peace and Friendship with Britain’s formal recognition to Nepali sovereignty ushered in a new era, enabling Nepal to diversify diplomatic relations globally.
“We are deeply grateful to the UK for its early recognition of Nepal as an independent country,” he added.
He also thanked the British side for its unwavering support during various crises adding that such steps have further cemented Britain’s role as a true friend.
Dr Koirala also shared about the passing of the TRC Bill from Nepal’s Federal Parliament stating that the step will enable Nepal to end the political transition and fulfill the promise of a sovereign, democratic, peaceful and prosperous Nepal, through improved governance.
“We firmly believe that democracy is indispensable for development. We are strengthening grassroots democratic institutions through our federal structure to align with people’s aspirations, and take the governance closer to the people.”
Likewise, Dr Koirala said that maintaining relationship with Nepal’s two increasingly powerful neighbors is not merely a geopolitical necessity but a cornerstone of our carefully crafted foreign policy. “As Nepal’s oldest diplomatic friend and a major Western power, Britain’s understanding of Nepal’s stance on non-alignment in both regional and global contexts will be vital.”
He also said that democracy today faces the challenges of the rise of populist politics, extreme nationalism, communalism, and economic nationalism that he believed undermine the spirit of multilateralism.
In his address, Koirala said that the global political, economic and strategic focus is shifting to the Indo-Pacific and South Asia as an epicenter.
