Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who previously favored group meetings with diplomats, recently met one-on-one with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda. This marked Shah’s first individual meeting with a foreign official since taking office. The meeting aimed to strengthen the longstanding partnership between Nepal and the ADB, focusing on cooperation and development initiatives.
Shah, who took office three and a half months ago, expressed optimism about Nepal’s future development trajectory during the half-hour meeting with Kanda. Discussions included plans to boost sectors like hydropower, tourism, digitalization, and infrastructure. The ADB President reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s economic growth and prosperity through long-term assistance.
Foreign policy experts have noted Shah’s shift towards a more structured approach in meeting foreign dignitaries, departing from informal practices. While some debate the impact of this change on Nepal’s national interests, others view it as a strategic move. The recent meeting with the ADB President is seen as a positive step in engaging with key development partners for Nepal’s progress.
