KATHMANDU: Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand has said that Nepal will not be involved in the United States’ State Partnership Program (SPP).
Responding to queries raised by the lawmakers on the budget appropriated for the Ministry of Defense, Home Minister Khand said, “Nepal is not involved in the SPP and has no intention of being involved. On behalf of the Government of Nepal, I would like to appeal that Nepal has no involvement in SPP.”
He added Nepal could not be a part of any military alliance. He, however, said Nepal could avail humanitarian assistance, if it desired, in case of natural calamities.
Stating that the armies of 34 countries came to the country, with the government’s approval, to support rescue efforts during the 2015 earthquake, he said, “Nepal is not involved in the SPP till now. And will not be involved even in the future.”
Saying it was natural to exchange skills and expertise during the deployment of Nepali troops in peacekeeping missions as Nepal is the second highest contributor to the peacekeeping force, he said, “However that does not mean Nepal could be part of any military alliance.”
He ruled out the prospect of armies of other countries coming to Nepal through signing of military deals.
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