Kathmandu: Newly-appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs Balananda Sharma has taken the oath of office and secrecy before President Ramchandra Paudel during a special ceremony held at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Prime Minister Sushila Karki appointed Sharma as the Minister for Foreign Affairs earlier today. The cabinet expansion has resulted in a 15-member government under Karki’s leadership.
The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Karki, Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, chiefs of security bodies, and senior officials of constitutional bodies.
Sharma, a retired Lieutenant General of the Nepali Army, has previously served as the Coordinator of the Army Integration Special Committee. Additionally, he held the position of Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. Currently, he is the Chairperson of the National Defence University.