KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Oli has voiced his confidence that the ongoing issues between Nepal and India can be addressed through open and tolerant dialogue.
Speaking at the launch of ‘International Watercourses Law: A Perspective on Nepal-India Cooperation,’ authored by former administrator Surya Nath Upadhyay at the PM residence today, Oli acknowledged that while there are some issues between the two nations, they are not numerous.
He noted that the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) was established by mutual agreement between the two Prime Ministers to address these concerns.
“We have yet to receive and review the EPG report. There’s no timing issue on the Nepali side for receiving it. Perhaps the Indian side will find a suitable time for its presentation. Once we have the report, it will facilitate discussions on the outstanding issues,” the Prime Minister stated.
Oli emphasized that India is a friendly neighbor with a rich culture and stressed the importance of open communication.
He criticized using geopolitics as an excuse for avoiding direct dialogue and cautioned against any political maneuvers aimed at gaining or retaining power.
He further clarified that using geopolitics as a cover for personal interests is not acceptable and highlighted that it is not customary in Nepali culture to criticize the country’s leadership while abroad.
Oli reflected on how foreign relations were historically shaped by a country’s strength and noted that since World War II, nations should present their interests reasonably and fairly, in line with international treaties and agreements.
He advocated for a consensual and bilateral approach to managing common resources.
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