Welcome Remarks by Foreign Secretary Mr Amrit Bahadur Rai on Nepal Foreign Service Day 2083

Welcome Remarks by Foreign Secretary Mr Amrit Bahadur Rai
on
Nepal Foreign Service Day 2083
Kathmandu, 10 Jestha 2083

Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Former Chief Secretary and Foreign Secretaries of the Government of Nepal,
Former Ambassadors and distinguished former colleagues,
Heads of Missions and colleagues joining us online from abroad,
Distinguished guests,
Dear colleagues and friends,

It gives me immense pleasure and a deep sense of pride to warmly welcome you all to this special gathering on the occasion of Nepal Foreign Service Day 2083.

Today is both a historic and deeply meaningful occasion for all of us associated with Nepal's Foreign Service. It is not merely a formal celebration; it is a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment towards the ideals and values that define our Foreign Service.

Today is also an occasion to honour the spirit of public service, professionalism and dedication that has guided generations of Nepali diplomats and officials. It is also a moment to express our gratitude to all those distinguished predecessors who devoted their lives to safeguarding Nepal's national interests and strengthening the country's diplomatic standing through the implementation of our foreign policy.

1. This day carries special historical significance. It was on this very day in 2018 B.S. that the Nepal Foreign Service was formally established as a distinct and specialised service through the promulgation of the Nepal Foreign Service (Formation and Classification) Rules. Since then, the Foreign Service has gone through many phases, adapting to changing national priorities, responding to evolving global realities and serving the nation through periods of both opportunities and challenges.

As we celebrate today, we do so with deep respect for the pioneers of Nepal's diplomacy whose wisdom, sacrifice, integrity and tireless efforts laid the strong and historic foundation upon which we continue to build. We remain indebted to their contribution.

1. At the same time, it also gives me great pleasure to warmly welcome our new colleagues who have recently joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and become part of the Foreign Service family. The recent expansion and restructuring of the Ministry has brought renewed energy, fresh perspectives and additional human resources into our institution. I am confident that this new momentum will further strengthen the professionalism, dynamism and effectiveness of our diplomatic service.

Dear colleagues,

1. Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is among the oldest diplomatic institutions in Asia. To be part of such a historic institution is itself a matter of honour and pride. Yet history alone cannot define us. In an increasingly competitive, interconnected and rapidly changing world, we must continue to transform ourselves into a more capable, modern, responsive and forward-looking institution.
2. Today's global environment is marked by geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, technological transformation, climate challenges, cyber threats and growing pressures on the multilateral system. At the same time, expectations from citizens have also grown significantly. Nepalis at home and abroad rightly expect a Ministry of Foreign Affairs that is efficient, professional, empathetic and fully responsive to their concerns and aspirations. Therefore, in the days ahead, we must work with even greater effectiveness, discipline and purpose. We must further strengthen our institutional capacity, enhance coordination, invest in professional excellence and continuously improve the quality of our diplomatic and consular services.
3. The Foreign Service is not merely a profession; it is a solemn responsibility to protect and promote Nepal's national interests. Every responsibility we undertake, whether in policy engagement, negotiations, public diplomacy, economic outreach or consular assistance, contributes to representing Nepal's dignity and image before the world. Even the smallest action carried out by our missions abroad reflects upon our nation and its people.

Dear colleagues,

1. Diplomacy today is no longer confined to traditional political engagement alone. Economic diplomacy must become one of the principal pillars of Nepal's external engagement. At a time when nations are competing for investment, technology, trade, tourism and opportunities, Nepal's diplomatic efforts must actively contribute towards national development and prosperity. We must strengthen our engagement to promote trade, attract foreign investment, expand tourism, facilitate technology transfer, support entrepreneurship and create greater economic opportunities for our citizens.
2. At the same time, Nepal possesses a uniquely rich soft power base. Our civilisational heritage, cultural diversity, spiritual traditions, natural beauty, biodiversity, arts, languages and the warmth and resilience of our people are among Nepal's greatest strengths. We must mobilise these assets more effectively to enhance Nepal's dignity, image and visibility in the international arena. Nepal's soft power should not only inspire admiration, but also strengthen international goodwill, deepen partnerships and elevate the country's standing globally.

Dear colleagues and friends,

1. In this important journey, the role of officials at all levels remains vital. Senior colleagues carry the responsibility of leadership, institutional guidance and mentorship. Mid-career officers serve as an essential bridge between experience and emerging talent. Our young officers bring fresh energy, creativity and enthusiasm to the service. Likewise, the invaluable contribution of our support staff remains indispensable to the functioning and success of the Ministry.
2. As representatives of Nepal, regardless of rank or responsibility, we must remain guided by integrity, professionalism, accountability and devotion to national service. National interest must always remain paramount.

Dear friends,

1. We are also honoured today by the gracious presence of the Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs. Under his leadership and continued encouragement, the Ministry has been moving forward with renewed focus towards institutional strengthening, strategic planning and enhancing the effectiveness of Nepal's diplomacy in a rapidly changing world. We remain grateful for his continued support and inspiration, and we look forward to hearing his valuable remarks shortly.

Before I conclude, let me once again extend my sincere gratitude and respect to all former diplomats, former colleagues and friends who have contributed to strengthening Nepal's Foreign Service over the decades.

Let us continue to move forward together, united by a shared sense of purpose, guided by professionalism and integrity and inspired by our responsibility towards the nation and its people.

Together, let us build a Ministry of Foreign Affairs that is capable, modern, humane and forward-looking, a Ministry that protects Nepal's national interests effectively, serves Nepalis everywhere with empathy and professionalism, promotes economic diplomacy to contribute to national prosperity, enhances the country's image and dignity in the comity of nations through effective public diplomacy and represents our country abroad with both confidence and pride.

I wish you all a very happy Nepal Foreign Service Day 2083.

Thank you.