KATHMANDU, Dec 1: Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba reiterated the government’s stance that China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would be enforced based on consensus among all concerned sides.
Foreign Minister Dr Rana made such a remark while responding to media persons at Tribhuvan International Airport on Saturday after returning home upon completion of her China visit. She was on an official visit to China at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
"Nepal had signed the BRI project framework in 2017. But discussions are still going on about its enforcement modality. Therefore, the BRI will be implemented based on the agreement and understanding between Nepal and China, and among all stakeholders in Nepal," she mentioned.
The minister argued that Nepal is not in a condition to accept loans at present. Discussions with the Chinese side dwelt on it. "The ruling partner Nepali Congress has already decided to enforce the BRI project under grants to which another coalition partner UML is aware of. Our discussions focused on grants," Foreign Minister Dr Rana reiterated.
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According to her, she held talks with her Chinese counterpart on Friday relating to the imminent visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to China.
Meanwhile, the Nepali Embassy in China released a press statement informing that Minister Dr Rana held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Minister Want Yi in Chengdu on Friday afternoon.
During the meeting, the two ministers shared their views on all important aspects of Nepal-China relations. Emphasizing the importance of the exchanges of high-level visits on a regular basis for further consolidation of bilateral relations, the two ministers had extensive discussions on the preparations of the upcoming high-level visit of PM Oli to China.
The minister reiterated that Nepal has always upheld 'One China Principle' and will not allow any activity against China in Nepali territory. Both sides reaffirmed their support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference.
During the talks, both sides focused on issues relating to trade, connectivity, investment, tourism and people to people relations among others. The foreign ministers emphasized the progress of connectivity projects like the cross-border railway project, Tokha-Chhahare tunnel, highway and economic corridor projects, among others.
Both of them expressed their commitment to work together to further deepen practical cooperation. The leaders expressed happiness over celebrating the year 2025 as 'Visit Nepal Year' for Chinese tourists on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations.
The two foreign ministers also underscored the need for concerted efforts from both sides to expedite the execution of ongoing projects as well as to implement the agreements and understandings reached between the two countries on several occasions.
On the occasion, Foreign Minister Dr Rana appreciated and thanked the Chinese government for its continuous support and cooperation for the socio-economic development of Nepal.
