Highlights of Major Agreements Reached During FM Dr Khadka's China visit
* China to conduct feasibility study of Keyrung-Kathmandu Railway under grant assistance
* China to provide grant assistance of Rs 15 billion (800 million RMB) to Nepal for the year 2022
* China to soon start the construction works of the second phase of Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project
* China to provide support to conduct pre-feasibility study of Nepal-China cross border transmission line
* China will positively consider Nepal's request of providing chemical fertilizer to Nepal and conduct a feasibility study to establish a chemical fertilizer factory in Nepal.
* China to encourage Chinese investment in developing the manufacturing capacity of Nepal and enhance cooperation in the export of Nepali tea and traditional medicinal herbs.
No progress in Nepal-China Railway Project despite feasibility...
* Nepal and China agree to establish a joint mechanism for pandemic control in border ports.
*Nepal and China agree to open Rasuwa-Kerung and Tatopani-Jangmu ports for two-way trade and Hilsa-Pulang port for one way trade which will take place as soon as the fresh wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Tibet Autonomous Region of China is controlled.
*China to provide 3 million RMB worth disaster relief materials in support of people affected by floods, landslides; additional COVID-19 related medical assistance to be provided to Nepal.
* China to provide support for the establishment of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR T cells) manufacturing laboratory in Civil Service Hospital to treat blood cancer and provide necessary training to Nepali health professionals.
KATHMANDU, August 11: China has agreed to carry out the feasibility study of the Keyrung-Kathmandu Railway under grant assistance.
Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi made the announcement during the meeting with his Nepali counterpart Dr Narayan Khadka in Qingdao, China on Wednesday evening.
According to the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, Foreign Minister Wang also announced to provide Rs 15 billion (800 million RMB) to Nepal for the year 2022. "The two Foreign Ministers expressed their commitment for the timely implementation of the agreements signed and understandings reached during high-level visits in the past. They agreed to expedite the implementation of China-assisted projects in Nepal," stated the press release issued by the Embassy.
During the delegation level talks, China assured Nepal that China will soon start the construction works of the second phase of Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project. China also assured support for pre-feasibility study of Nepal-China cross border transmission line as agreed during his official visit to Nepal in March 2022.
The two Foreign Ministers took stock of overall aspects of Nepal-China relations and cooperation and agreed to promote further cooperation in various sectors including trade, connectivity, investment, health, tourism, poverty alleviation, agriculture, disaster management, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, among others. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the progress made in a range of matters of bilateral cooperation since the official visit of the State Councilor to Nepal in March, 2022, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr. Khadka reiterated Nepal’s unwavering commitment to One China Policy and assured that the Nepali territory will not be allowed to be used for any activity against China. On the other hand, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang reiterated China’s continued and unconditional support to Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and assured support in Nepal’s development endeavors as per the priority of the Government of Nepal.
Upon the request of the Nepali side, the Chinese side assured that it will positively consider providing chemical fertilizer to Nepal and to study the feasibility of establishing a chemical fertilizer factory in Nepal. The State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China agreed to assist Nepal’s agricultural sector. He also agreed to encourage Chinese investment in developing the manufacturing capacity of Nepal and enhance cooperation in the export of Nepali tea and traditional medicinal herbs.
The two Foreign Ministers decided to establish a joint mechanism for pandemic control in border ports. They also agreed to open Rasuwa-Kyerung and Tatopani-Jangmu ports for two-way trade and Hilsa-Pulang port for one way trade which will take place as soon as the fresh wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Tibet Autonomous Region of China is controlled.
In support of people being affected by disasters and natural calamities in different parts of Nepal, State Councilor Wang Yi announced to provide Nepal with 3 million RMB worth of disaster relief materials as per Nepal’s request. China will also provide Nepal with additional 2 million RMB worth of medical items and logistics. The State Councilor also announced that China will provide additional COVID-19 vaccines and COVID-19 related medical assistance as much as Nepal may require.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Dr. Khadka appreciated the Government of China for its substantial support of health materials, equipment as well as life-saving COVID-19 vaccines and requested further support towards strengthening of health infrastructures and facilities as well as transfer of new technologies in cancer treatment. The State Councilor announced that China would provide support to the establishment of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR T cells) manufacturing laboratory in Civil Service Hospital to treat blood cancer and provide necessary training to Nepali health professionals.
The Chinese side also announced that all the remaining Nepali students who wish to return to China can proceed for visa procedures, while fulfilling the health protocols, to resume their studies. Both sides agreed to form a bilateral technical committee to do necessary preparation towards the functioning of the existing mechanism of Nepal-China Joint Boundary Inspection Committee, according to the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing.
(With inputs from RSS)
