KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said Nepal has placed economic diplomacy at the heart of its foreign policy, urging honorary consuls to play a more proactive role in promoting trade, investment, tourism and technology transfer.

Addressing the 19th Annual General Meeting and Charter Day of the Honorary Consular Corps–Nepal in Kathmandu, Khanal stressed that bilateral relations should move beyond diplomatic formalities and deliver tangible, results-oriented outcomes.

He said honorary consuls have played a vital bridging role in strengthening Nepal’s ties with countries that do not maintain resident diplomatic missions in Kathmandu. He encouraged them to launch business-to-business initiatives, boost trade and investment, and develop country-specific strategic action plans.

The foreign minister also instructed honorary consuls to ensure efficient, high-quality and citizen-friendly consular services, while pledging that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would update existing rules and facilities to better