Economic advisor Dr Khatiwada clarifies Nepal has not supported Chinese GSI

Tianjin (China), Sept 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's economic and development advisor Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada has made it clear that no agreement was made on the issues relating to Nepal's support to China's Global Security Initiative (GSI) during the bilateral meeting held between PM Oli and Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

Talking to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Advisor Dr Khatiwada informed that Nepal government is committed to its Constitution and non-aligned foreign policy, so Nepal can not be a part of any country's security strategy.

PM Oli had held a meeting with Chinese President Xi in course of his visit to China for attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit in Tianjin on August 30.

In response to a question relating to China's statement which hinted that Nepal supported China's GSI, Dr Khatiwada said, "PM Oli's visit is chiefly for the participation in SCO Summit. Generally, in the sidelines of such conference, no agreement and memorandum of understanding is made. It is not done either. Therefore, it is false to make publicity that Nepal supported GSI while no agreement was made on it."       

However, discussion was held on how both sides could forward the effective enforcement of Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) Framework Agreement, he said, expressing concern over baseless rumour made viral on social networks. He urged everyone to spread the facts and understand sensitivity and veracity of news.

Dr Khatiwada further shared that other issues that featured during the bilateral discussion were strengthening of connectivity between Nepal and China, industrial and infrastructural development,  collaboration on health sector,  agriculture, investment, tourism, science and IT, sports, disaster management, people-to-people connection and Nepal's socioeconomic transformation.  (RSS)