Kathmandu, October 12
Chiran Jung Thapa, Nepal’s proposed ambassador to the United States, has pledged to improve the quality of consular services and take bilateral relations to a new level during his tenure.
Speaking at a meeting of the Federal Parliament’s Parliamentary Hearing Committee on Monday, Thapa said protecting Nepal’s national interests and strengthening the country’s diplomatic capacity would be his priorities.
Thapa outlined plans to adopt innovative measures to manage the heavy demand for consular services in the United States. He said he would prioritise service recipients’ satisfaction, arrange services on public holidays when necessary and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure adequate budgetary support.
He also said he would seek to mobilise Nepali citizens living across different US states and the country’s extensive diaspora networks to support Nepal’s development and help bring back its cultural heritage.
On security cooperation, Chiran Jung Thapa praised the assistance provided by the United States, saying it should be mobilised in line with Nepal’s needs and priorities. He also pledged to pursue technology transfers to help Nepal address emerging challenges in technology and cybersecurity.
“I will work actively to make US assistance in areas such as peacekeeping and disaster management more effective, within the directives and guidelines of the Government of Nepal,” he said. “Nothing is more important than Nepal’s national interest. My diplomatic work will not be hindered by my relationships with any institution or individual.”
Thapa said he planned to use the personal contacts he developed while studying and working in the United States to expand diplomatic outreach and create an environment conducive to high-level visits between the two countries.
Describing diplomacy as “the art of explaining and persuading”, he pledged to make the best use of his experience and diplomatic networks to further strengthen Nepal-US relations.
