Nepal Launches Diplomatic Language Training for Foreign Service Officials

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a diplomatic language training program for its foreign service officials, aiming to enhance their linguistic and professional capabilities.

The program, initiated by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), was formally inaugurated by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanaal at a ceremony held in Kathmandu. Khanaal emphasized that communication is the foundation of diplomacy and that learning new languages broadens one’s worldview.

He also highlighted the importance of language skills in establishing relationships with new communities, exchanging ideas directly, and promoting Nepal’s story globally.

Training Program Details

The IFA has partnered with the Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University to offer Chinese language training and with the Alliance Française de Kathmandou to provide French language training. Arabic language training will also be introduced within the next two weeks.

The Chinese language classes will be held three times a week, while French and Arabic classes will be held twice a week. Each class will last one and a half hours.

The IFA aims to integrate foreign language training into Nepal’s diplomatic training system, enhancing the linguistic and professional capabilities of Nepal’s foreign service officials.

Importance of Language Skills

Rozina Tamrakar, Executive Director of the IFA, stressed the significance of language skills and cultural understanding in building trust, strengthening diplomatic relations, and promoting Nepal’s ‘soft power’ and public diplomacy.

She emphasized that the success and continuity of the program depend on the discipline and commitment of the participating officials, as well as the institutional ownership and continuous support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chang Mao Ming, and French Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Elsa Calle, also shared their thoughts on the importance of language skills in promoting Nepal-China and Nepal-France relations.