PM Prachanda's China visit will bolster Nepal-China ties: DPM Shrestha

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Sept. 20: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has viewed that upcoming visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda's visit would further strengthen historical relations between Nepal China.

DPM Shrestha said so while speaking at an interaction 'Friendship linked by Himalaya: Present and future of Nepal-China relations' organized by Academy of Nepal-China Social Relations.

PM Prachanda is visiting China for a week starting from September 23.

"Relations between Nepal and China have been friction free, and I assume that China's role as a development partner will increase in Nepal following the visit," said DPM Shrestha.

He also expected an agreement about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Implementation Plan during the visit. "If the agreement takes place at this time, it will add further value to the visit."

DPM Shrestha made it clear that the government has been proving by its practice that it does not believe in any card or game and that Nepal should maintain equi-proximity relations with both the neighbours, China and India.

The DPM said that Nepal has to tackle challenges posed due to its geopolitical location for safeguarding sovereignty, independence and integrity while attract foreign assistance and mobilise domestic resources for development and prosperity.

The government is firm and clear in independent and non-aligned foreign policy, he said, adding, we need diplomatic ingenuity.

Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar underlined that need for attracting investment from China as she said, "I believe China wants prosperity in Nepal because it has never interfered in Nepal's stability, internal affairs."

Dr. Rajan Bhattarai, chief of CPN (UML)'s foreign department, stressed on ensuring implementation of agreements made between Nepal and China in the past.

"Nepal should be able to reap benefits from BRI as many countries have done so," he said.

I hope PM Prachanda's visit will bolster the relations of confidence between the two countries by removing any doubts that may have surfaced, said Dr. Bhattarai.

Prof. Dr. Bal Mukunda Regmi, Chairperson of the Academy, also underscored the need for implementing BRI as it has further opened the door for Chinese investment in Nepal.

Anil Sharma, standing committee member of Nepal Communist Party, Thakur Sharma, RPP leader and Laxman Pant, central committee member of CPN (Maoist Center) also spoke in the programme highlighting that the visit will strengthen the relations between the two neighbours.