On August 7, 2026, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal affirmed that economic diplomacy is the core of Nepal's foreign policy. He expressed Nepal's willingness to collaborate with all friendly nations for sustainable, inclusive, and progressive development.
Khanal highlighted the goal of improving the living standards of Nepali citizens and creating opportunities in trade, investment, employment, entrepreneurship, tourism, technology, innovation, and sustainable development. He also suggested that Nepal could act as a 'dynamic bridge' to foster economic, trade, and people-to-people cooperation between China and South Asia, while respecting sovereign equality, mutual respect, mutual interests, and each other's concerns with both neighbors.