Vitalizing Foreign Service With Language Skill, Minister Khanal Says Dialogue is the Essence of Diplomacy

To enhance the linguistic and professional capacity of Nepal’s foreign service officers, the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) has launched a diplomatic language training program.

Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal officially opened the initiative, emphasizing that dialogue is the very foundation of diplomacy. He noted that learning new languages broadens perspectives, helps establish connections with new communities, enables direct exchange of ideas, and plays a vital role in sharing Nepal’s story globally.

According to IFA, the program aims to strengthen officers’ linguistic proficiency, thereby making their diplomatic engagement and performance in international arenas more effective. IFA’s Executive Director, Rozina Tamrakar, highlighted the importance of language and cultural understanding in building trust, strengthening diplomatic relations, and promoting Nepal’s “soft power” and public diplomacy.

She stressed that the program’s success and continuity depend on the discipline and commitment of participating officers, as well as the institutional ownership and sustained support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

China’s Ambassador to Nepal, Chang Maoming, spoke about Chinese language learning and Nepal–China relations. Similarly, Acting Ambassador of France to Nepal, Elsa Calle, shared her views on French language learning and Nepal–France relations.

Dr. Balram Duval, Nepal Director of the Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University, and Anne-Laure Potier, Curriculum Director of Alliance Française de Kathmandu, introduced the structure and objectives of the Chinese and French language training courses, respectively.

IFA stated that Chinese language training will be conducted in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University, while French language training will be supported by Alliance Française de Kathmandu.

Arabic language training will also begin within two weeks. Chinese classes will run three days a week, while French and Arabic classes will be held twice a week. Each session will last one and a half hours.

IFA added that this initiative is part of a broader effort to gradually integrate foreign language learning into Nepal’s diplomatic training system, thereby enhancing the linguistic and professional capacity of foreign service officers.