New York, USA, September 25, 2026 — Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said Nepal should turn its geographic position into an opportunity and develop itself as an economic, digital and strategic bridge in Asia amid the region’s growing economic and strategic influence.
Addressing a programme organised by the Asia Society in New York on Friday titled “Steering Nepal’s Future in Asia’s Rising Century”, Khanal said Nepal should not regard its geography as a limitation on its national aspirations.
According to the foreign minister’s private secretariat, Khanal called for changing the traditional perception of Nepal as a “small country” and said the country occupies a strategically important position.
“Nepal is not small. Nepal is strategically well-positioned,” Khanal said. “The size of our neighbours is a geographic reality, but it should never become the limit of our ambition.”
Khanal compared Nepal’s geography and population with those of other countries and argued that Nepal should not be understood solely through the lens of its size.
Referring to the recent floods, the foreign minister described the disaster as a “Himalayan tsunami”.
China and India are sending specialized rescue teams to Nepal after Bhote Koshi floods, supporting difficult tunnel operations as more than 600 died and nearly 2,000 remain missing.
29-AUG-2026 03:37 PM
Nepal recorded 88,248 foreign tourist arrivals in September 2026, up 12.1 percent year-on-year, with South Asia and China contributing significantly despite declines from Europe and Oceania.
01-OCT-2026 05:19 PM
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal called the Bhotekoshi disaster a global warning and urged stronger climate finance, disaster preparedness and international support for Nepal’s recovery.
24-SEP-2026 09:27 AM
The United States announced an additional USD 31 million for Nepal’s flood relief, recovery and reconstruction, bringing total US flood recovery assistance to more than USD 36 million.
23-SEP-2026 11:13 AM
Nepal and Grenada have established diplomatic relations through a joint communiqué signed in New York, with both sides emphasizing cooperation on sustainable development, climate change, tourism and education.
23-SEP-2026 10:43 AM
Prime Minister Balendra Shah will lead Nepal’s 14-member delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly, where he is scheduled to address climate and development priorities on September 24.
22-SEP-2026 08:26 AM
“Nepal has long faced natural disasters, difficult geography and structural challenges,” he said.
Khanal said the latest disaster had sent a clear message that climate change should be treated as a strategic priority of Nepal’s foreign policy.
He identified effective early-warning systems, the exchange of water-related data, predictable grant-based climate finance and practical cooperation with neighbouring countries and the international community as areas that should receive priority.
Khanal described Asia’s rise as an important opportunity for Nepal, noting that around 60 percent of the world’s population lives in Asia and that the region makes a major contribution to the global economy.
He said Kathmandu could be developed as an important centre of Asia’s economic and social transformation.
“Our question is no longer how Nepal survives between two large neighbours. Our question is how Nepal creates value between them and beyond them,” Khanal said.
He said Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, along with national figures such as Araniko and Bhrikuti, has made Nepal an important point of contact for Asian civilisation and culture.
“Our ancestors understood one clear truth: connectivity creates prosperity, while isolation increases poverty,” Khanal said.
Khanal also said Nepal’s hydropower potential could be linked to regional economic transformation. He noted that Nepal is exporting clean electricity through India to Bangladesh.
He said Nepal could also expand production in special economic zones along the border and connect global supply chains with the country.
On cooperation with northern neighbour China, Khanal said Nepal should pursue practical, commercial and long-term engagement. He stressed the need to develop multidimensional trans-Himalayan connectivity covering roads, tunnels, dry ports, air services, digital connectivity and cross-border railways.
Khanal said Nepal’s future should ultimately be determined by the Nepali people, while stressing the importance of international partnerships in achieving that future.
He welcomed the United States, Europe, ASEAN, Latin America and other partners to invest, cooperate and build partnerships with Nepal.