FM Gyawali appreciates Belt and Road Initiative's role in high-quality development in its partner countries

Published On: June 19, 2020 03:36 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, June 19: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali participated in a webinar entitled "High-Level Video Conference on Belt and Road International Co-operation: Combating COVID-19 with Solidarity" on Thursday.

Addressing the video conference, the foreign minister underlined that mutual support and collective efforts and the cooperation from multilateral institutions are vital in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

In this context, he stressed that the WHO should be strengthened further and supported with more resources and technologies to promote international cooperation, according to MoFA.

The foreign minister appreciated the role that the Belt and Road Initiative has been playing in high-quality development in the partner countries.

Nepal joined the China-initiated Belt and Road Initiatives in May 2017 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing.

Gyawali also underscored the importance of the new initiative of Health Silk Road under BRI, aimed at facilitating trade in anti-epidemic medical supplies and enhancing co-operation in fighting infectious diseases including sharing of experiences and expertise, according to the press release.

Participants of the conference emphasized the need for unity, solidarity, mutual cooperation among the countries and strengthening the role of WHO for combating the pandemic.

They also highlighted the importance of mutual support and assistance among partner countries under Health Silk Road to address, control and overcome the pandemic, promoting cooperation under BRI as well as jointly working for economic recovery in post pandemic situation.

The webinar was chaired by State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi.

Foreign ministers and other relevant ministers from 26 countries along with Director General of WHO and Administrator of the UNDP participated in the conference. A joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the conference.