Nepal and China on Wednesday agreed to set up a system to deliver effectively various Chinese government-aided projects in Nepal. This agreement follows official talks between Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and Chinese Vice-president Wang Qishan, and Foreign Minister of China and State Councillor Wang Yi in Beijing.
In both the meetings, Gyawali conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and said Nepal appreciates President Xi Jinping’s vision of ‘building a community of shared future for humanity’, and supports China’s thrust on enhancing co-operation among nations.
Vice-president Wang Qishan stressed on fully tapping the potential of bilateral ties between the two countries that historically enjoy excellent relations.
Speaking at the joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart Wang, Gyawali said Nepal’s foreign policy gives top priority to neighbourhood. “We attach great importance to our relations with China. In line with our principled position, I reiterate Nepal’s firm commitment to One China policy.”
Nepal appreciates China’s diplomacy of sincerity, amity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, the foreign minister said.
Gyawali and Wang Yi discussed bilateral co-operation to develop infrastructure projects, transport network, trade, tourism and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the Nepali Embassy in Beijing said in statement.
The foreign ministers discussed conducting a feasibility study for the proposed Nepal-China Cross Border Railway from Keyrong to Kathmandu, and from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Lumbini.
Highlighting the importance of Nepal-China railway link, Gyawali said, “I have a dream to travel from Nepal to China in a modern train across the Himalayas while enjoying the scenic beauty of the mountains.
“We exchanged our views on the draft protocol to the Transit Transport Agreement and agreed to intensify negotiations to finalise it soon,” Gyawali added.
During his talks with Chinese leaders, Gyawali stressed the need for opening more cross-border routes and for upgrading facilities at Rasuwagadhi/Keyrong and Tatopani/Zhangmu border points.
Both sides discussed the re-opening of Tatopani border point at the earliest. Gyawali mentioned reducing its increasing trade deficit by enhancing Nepal’s exports to China.
Foreign Minister Wang assured better market access and urged Nepal to benefit from China’s trade reforms.
Gyawali told Wang that Nepal has entered an era of peace, stability and development. The present government’s top priority is economic transformation for the prosperity of the people of Nepal under the motto ‘Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepalis’, he said.
Both sides agreed to expedite all past agreements, including those signed during PM Oli’s visit in March 2016 and former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal in March 2017.
Gyawali will address a round-table organised by China Reforms Forum in Beijing on Thursday morning. He will speak at the ‘Nepal Tourism Promotion in China 2018,’ to be jointly organised by the Embassy of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, and Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents. He will leave for Chengdu on Thursday evening. He will meet with provincial leaders and deliver a speech at an event that Sichuan University will host in his honour.
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