KATHMANDU, Oct 12: Leaders of major political parties have opined that two-day sate-visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nepal will add a new milestone to Nepal-China bilateral ties.
Talking to Republica Online on Friday, the leaders advised capitalizing Xi’s visit for the country's larger economic interests.
Senior Leader of ruling Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) Madhav Kumar Nepal said that high-level visit from China after a hiatus of 23 years is welcome news. “All the Nepalis are eagerly waiting for the moment to welcome Xi. I reckon that the relationship between neighbours deepens and strengthens if there is an exchange of the high-level visit. Therefore, Xi's visit holds huge significance to promote our bilateral ties,” Nepal, who is also the former prime minister, added.
Leader Nepal who also leads the Foreign Affairs Department of the party underscored the need for government’s willpower to express the desires and to express them openly so that the country can achieve an optimum advantage.
Xi's visit: an important milestone in the annals of bilateral t...
According to him, the country should try to bring the development of China to Nepal not only witnessing it.
“For that, series of extensive talks and exchange of experience are vital,” said he adding, “Nepali side should openly talk to Xi on Nepal’s concerns and welfare.”
Nepali Congress Leader Sujata Koirala hoped that Xi’s visit to Nepal would be successful and highlight the importance of Nepal to the world.
“Such a high-level visit after more than two decades will provide a different outlook to the world about Nepal,” Koirala , who is also the former deputy prime minister, added.
According to Koirala, Xi’s visit to Nepal carries a higher significance. “China has helped Nepal at the time of difficulties. Nepal will now have another high leap. The development will expedite. It’s encouraging,” said Koirala adding, “BRI launched by China is a good initiative and Nepal should take advantage of it.”
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and NCP Leader Mahendra Bahadur Pandey also believes that Sino-Nepal ties will further tighten reach to newer heights after Xi’s state visit.
Pandey said, “Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Nepal which is a matter of pride for us as China is a reliable neighbour and close friend of Nepal.”
Talking about a long gap of a high-level visit by China to Nepal, Pandey stated that political instability in Nepal was the major cause.
According to Pandey, the visit of Chinese President Xi primarily should be able to inject fresh impetus to the bilateral relations between Nepal and China. “Delivering speech alone doesn’t deepen the ties. At the same time, we should be practical. Mutual benefit should be at the centre of bilateral relations,” Pandey added.
