KATHMANDU:- Nepali Congress leader and former foreign minister Sujata Koirala has underlined the importance of maintaining friendly and balanced relations with neighbouring countries.

Speaking at a programme organised by the GP Koirala Foundation, Bhaktapur chapter, on the 15th memorial day of late leader Girija Prasad Koirala, she said Nepal should continue to pursue a balanced foreign policy.

Koirala noted that stable and cordial relations with neighbouring countries contribute to internal stability. She stressed that Nepal should maintain equal ties with all countries and avoid aligning strongly either for or against any particular nation.

She also suggested that the country should move forward by adopting the principles of Panchasheel in its foreign policy approach.