Jhabindra Aryal

Jhabindra was nomintaed by the Foreign Ministry of Nepal to join the Foreign Service Programme (now called the Diplomatic Studies Programme) in the late 1980s. As part of the DSP 50th anniversary we asked Jhabindra to reflect back on his time here at Oxford (1989-90).

'I was a Protocol Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal before joining FSP in 1989/90. As a young Foreign Service Officer, I had a dream to study at the Oxford University, one of the most reputed Universities in the world. That dream came true when the British Council offered two scholarships to Nepal and the Foreign Ministry of Nepal nominated me for one of the places.

'The programme was a great opportunity for me not only acquiring knowledge and experience but also a great deal of confidence in dealing with diplomatic practices throughout my diplomatic career. My year in Oxford provided me with life-time memories and I treasure the good friends I made from around the globe.

'The most rewarding and enyoable aspects of the course include lectures by the Professors and Diplomats on diplomatic practices, international law and international politics.

'The European Study Tour and particularly the visit to Berlin where the wall to separate West and East was demolished are favourite memories of mine. In a group we went to the East part, waiting long hours in queue at Check-Point-Charlie. That is still fresh in my mind. It was very cold and started snowing. We found a small restaurant to have refreshments and coffee.

'Upon completion of my training course at FSP, I returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and after 3/4 years I was assigned to our Embassy in Riyad, Saudi Arabia as First Secretary. I returned to MOFA after 4 years and was assigned to our Mission in Brussels, Belgium as Counsellor. We had to serve more or less half and half in Missions and Ministry. Then, I was assigned to our Embassy in London as Minister Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission from 2007-11. During my stay in London I visited Oxford a few times, recalling my days in 1989/90. After London, I was posted to Muscat, Sultanate of Oman as full-fledged Chargé d'Affaires of the Mission, from where I got my promotion to the Joint Secretary (Ambassador). I then returned to MOFA and headed to North Asia and North East Asia Divisions of the Ministry until my Ambassadorial assignment to the Arab Republic of Egypt. Since December 2016, I have been working here and will complete my tenure in December 2020. To say honestly, the foundation of my confidence throughout my diplomatic career is due to the FSP.

'I would strongly recommend this programme to anyone considering applying. The courses pursued and the diplomatic practices exercised are really helpful in every path of diplomatic dealings particularly for those who are working as foreign service officers.'

Learn more:

• Oxford University Diplomatic Studies Programme (formerly known as the Foreign Service Programme)