Nepal and China Review Bilateral Relations at 16th Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism Meeting

The 16th Meeting of the Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism (DCM) between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the People’s Republic of China took place in Kathmandu yesterday. The meeting reviewed the entirety of Nepal-China bilateral relations, assessing progress on previously signed agreements and MoUs.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal led the Nepali delegation, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting cooperation in mutually agreed areas and harnessing economic opportunities for mutual benefit.

The discussions highlighted the importance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Panchsheel, mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding as the guiding principles of Nepal-China relations. The two parties shared views on maintaining regular high-level visits and discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, connectivity, and agriculture. They also discussed promoting Nepal’s tourism prospects in China as part of the ‘Visit Nepal Year in China’ 2025 celebrations.

The meeting decided to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations with special programs in 2025. Both sides emphasized the need to further activate existing bilateral mechanisms and establish new ones, including the Joint Commission at the Foreign Ministers’ level.

The Nepali delegation included Joint Secretary Krishna Prasad Dhakal and senior officials from various ministries. The Chinese delegation included the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

On Monday, Vice Minister Sun paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and is scheduled to meet President Ramchandra Paudel and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha today. The Chinese delegation will depart for Beijing today.