KATHMANDU, Sept 12: Speaker of the House of Representatives Agni Prasad Sapkota and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China Li Zhanshu held official talks leading their respective delegations in Kathmandu on Monday afternoon.

During the talks, the two parliament leaders expressed happiness over the excellent state of bilateral relations and cooperation subsisting between Nepal and China and held discussions on different matters of mutual interests. Speaker Sapkota reiterated Nepal's commitment to One China Policy and not to allow any activity against China in Nepali territory. Chairman Li Zhanshu expressed China’s continued support to Nepal’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Speaker Sapkota appreciated the people and Government of the People’s Republic of China for their generous support and cooperation to Nepal’s development endeavor and expressed hope for an enhanced level of support from China for post-pandemic recovery and other development priorities of Nepal. He added that the people and Government of Nepal are grateful to the Chinese Government for providing Nepal with substantial amount of medical supplies, equipment and COVID-19 vaccines, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

During the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen inter-parliamentary exchanges and cooperation. They also underscored the role of Parliamentary Friendship Group in each other’s parliament in further promoting goodwill and understanding between the two legislatures. Chairman Li promised to provide assistance to the Nepali parliament as per its need and requirement at the institution level.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the importance of implementing connectivity infrastructures, including under the Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese side assured that it will clear all containers destined to Nepal at the earliest before the festive season in Nepal.

On the request of the Nepali delegation, the Chinese side also assured that it will take necessary measures to address the widening trade gaps between the two countries and encourage its entrepreneurs to invest in Nepal, particularly in areas that support the livelihood of the Nepali people.

Li extended best wishes for the success of upcoming elections to the Federal Parliament and provincial assemblies in Nepal.

Following the bilateral talks, Speaker Sapkota and Chairman Li Zhanshu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Inter-parliamentary Cooperation. Later in the evening, Rt. Hon. Speaker Sapkota hosted a dinner in honour of Chairman Li and the visiting delegation.

 
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