We are serious about preserving the historical documents of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Minister Khanal

August 10, Kathmandu.

Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated that the government has seriously advanced the preservation of historical documents, papers, facts, and evidence located in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Responding to questions raised by Members of Parliament in the House of Representatives meeting held on Monday, Minister Khanal stated that even though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been relocating to various buildings in the past due to reasons such as administrative necessity, availability of buildings, and structural management, special attention has been given to the preservation of historical and diplomatic documents during the relocation.

He mentioned that the prevailing law has made clear provisions regarding the preservation and management of treaties and agreements to which the Government of Nepal is a party.

‘There is a clear provision in the prevailing law regarding the preservation and management of treaties to which the Government of Nepal is a party,’ Minister Khanal said, ‘According to the Nepal Treaty Act, 2047, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs performs treaty-related functions, negotiations, diplomatic contacts, and international-level treaty work on behalf of the Government of Nepal.’

According to him, tasks related to treaties, agreements, and their archiving fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, as per the Government of Nepal (Work Division) Regulations.

Similarly, he stated that according to the Archives Preservation Act, 2046, the responsibility for long-term preservation and management of historical documents of national importance has been given to the National Archives. Minister Khanal also informed that there is a provision for the concerned offices to send certified copies of treaties and agreements to which Nepal is a party to the National Archives.

Minister Khanal stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has placed the preservation of historical and diplomatically important documents of the Government of Nepal on high priority.

According to him, based on the organization and management survey report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a separate records management branch has also been formed. He informed that records preservation work is being advanced through this branch.

‘Necessary coordination and initiatives are ongoing between the concerned bodies for the discovery, authentication, digitization, and secure preservation of records,’ he said.

Minister Khanal also informed the House of Representatives that preliminary processes for the construction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ own building have already been initiated.

He stated that preparations are underway to construct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building on the land currently occupied by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He informed that a consultant has already been selected for the architectural drawing and engineering works of the building, and the consultant has prepared the preliminary architectural drawing design of the building.

Minister Khanal stated that discussions are ongoing at the ministry regarding the building’s architectural drawing design, and it is in the approval phase. According to him, a budget has also been allocated for the construction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ own building in the fiscal year 2083/84.

‘After completing all processes, tenders will be invited for the building construction work, and construction will commence,’ Minister Khanal said.

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