Foreign affairs experts and leaders of political parties have emphasised on a timely change in Nepal’s foreign policy that should be in the interest of the country and meet the challenges posed by the changing global scenario.

Speaking at an interaction in the capital on Monday, former secretary general of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Yadav Kant Silwal, said that foreign policy should change in tune with the current global circumstances.

Silwal was of the view that the cancellation of King’s visit to the 60th UN general assembly was a serious setback in Nepal’s foreign affairs policy, according to newspaper reports.

Former Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Nilambar Acharya, said that the foreign policy adopted by Nepal has been wrong right from the beginning. “Instead of looking at our neighbours through the eyes of suspicion, our foreign policy should be observing them in the light of the potential opportunities that could be realized through them,” Acharya added.

Former representative to UN, Dr Jaya Raj Acharya said Nepal’s heavy dependence on foreign aid, not only for its socio-economic development, but also for its security would be a factor influencing its internal politics and foreign relations.

Former envoy to Japan, Bishnu Hari Nepal, suggested the ruling establishment to be “pro-active” rather than “reactive” to ensure a smooth foreign policy. “The foreign policy should be in the national interest,” he said.

Nepali Congress (NC) central member and the chief of the party foreign department, Sujata Koirala, said foreign policy should address the issues of the grass root level. She also said that Nepal should cash in on its water resources.

NC (Democratic) leader Dr Minendra Rizal said that the current ruling establishment is issuing “lip reply” to its friendly countries.

“Cursing the neighbours and friendly countries will have an adverse impact on the foreign policy,” he added.