Nepal's relations with neighbors non- comparable: Oli

KATHMANDU, March 27: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said Nepal has a clear policy that it does not compare its bilateral relations with one neighbor to its relations with another neighbor.

"Nepal's development is to be effected by ourselves. Effective implementation of the agreements reached with friendly countries for reconstruction and overall development is the major task ahead," Prime Minister Oli told reporters at Tribhuwan International Airport Sunday upon his arrival back from his week-long China visit.

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In an overall analysis of his visit, Oli claimed that the China trip further strengthened political relations between the two countries by further cementing mutual trust and understanding through meetings at the top levels. "The discussions on issues such as transit, transport, infrastructural development, investment, energy and tourism have prepared a framework for long-term economic cooperation and widened the range of support," he said. "And interactions and discussions held with the academic and business communities further cemented relations at the people's level."

He said that preparing a long-term framework for economic cooperation between Nepal and China for the economic development and prosperity of Nepal was the major objective of his China visit.

Stating that both countries have become ready to finalize a commercial deal for the import of petroleum products from China, he said business entities from both countries would settle policy issues and the practical matters related to price, supply, security, tax, customs and border check points through talks. "And it is agreed that the agencies concerned shall give policy level support to resolve these matters," he explained.

He also informed that China has decided to develop infrastructure required for the storage of petroleum products in Nepal and that a Chinese team of experts will visit Nepal to study the feasibility of fuel and gas exploration.

"It is agreed to set up a dialogue mechanism between concerned bodies from both countries to start energy trade," he said.

According to the prime minister, both sides have agreed to expand land and air connectivity and to further improve infrastructure for land transportation and other connectivity. Both sides have agreed to build inter-country road and rail networks, operate the Araniko and Syaphrubeshi-Rasuwagahdi Highways and upgrade these, and resume work on expansion of the capital's Ring Road.

"China has described Nepal's new constitution as a historic achievement in its political development and welcomed it. And it has hoped that Nepal will achieve political stability and economic development on this foundation," he said.

He described the transit agreement as an important achievement of his visit, saying that the deal has ensured Nepal unhindered transit access to the sea through China.