Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba announced that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Nepal will proceed only through consensus and mutual understanding among all stakeholders. Her remarks came upon returning to Kathmandu on Saturday, concluding her official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Speaking at Tribhuvan International Airport, Minister Rana acknowledged Nepal’s 2017 agreement on the BRI framework but emphasized that implementation discussions remain ongoing. “Nepal will implement the BRI based on agreements with China and consultations among Nepalese stakeholders,” she stated, adding, “Nepal is currently not in a position to take on loans, and we focused our discussions with China on implementing BRI projects through grants.”
She revealed that the ruling Nepali Congress has already decided to prioritize grants for BRI projects and has briefed coalition partner UML on this stance.
The visit also centered on preparations for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming official visit to China. During her bilateral meeting with Wang Yi in Chengdu, the two foreign ministers discussed advancing Nepal-China relations, including cooperation in trade, connectivity, investment, and tourism.
A press release from Nepal’s Embassy in China highlighted discussions on enhancing connectivity projects such as the cross-border railway, Tokha-Chhahare tunnel, highways, and economic corridors. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to expediting ongoing projects and implementing agreements reached during previous high-level exchanges.
Minister Rana reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the “One China Policy,” assuring that no activities against China would be allowed on Nepali soil. Both countries reaffirmed mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference.
The leaders also agreed to celebrate 2025 as Visit Nepal Year for Chinese tourists to mark the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations. This initiative aims to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote tourism.
Minister Rana expressed gratitude for China’s sustained support for Nepal’s socio-economic development. Discussions also extended to regional and global cooperation, signaling both nations’ commitment to deepening practical collaboration across multiple sectors.
The visit concluded with both sides underlining the importance of regular high-level exchanges to further enhance the historic and cooperative relationship between Nepal and China.
30th Nov 2024
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