With 119 delegates, Oli off to China to deepen ties

Published On: June 19, 2018 10:09 AM NPT

KATHMANDU, June 19: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli embarked on his second official state visit to the People’s Republic of China with 119 delegates. Oli was invited by the northern neighbor’s premier, Li Keqiang.

Oli is accompanied by his spouse, Radhika Shakya, Minister for Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Rimal, Members of Parliament, high-ranking government officials, representatives of private sector and media persons.

Like his visit to China when he became the Prime Minister in 2016, Oli will fly on Himalaya Airlines, instead of national flag carrier. In China, Oli will hold bilateral talks with his counterparts and address the Nepal-China Business Forum.

The two countries are also expected to sign over eight agreements. These include using Tibetan highway from China to Nepal through eight entry points-Hilsa, Rasuwagadhi, Riyu Tiptala Pass (Taplejung), Tinker (Darchula), Urahipass (Bajhang) and Pulana Hilsa.

Other areas for agreement include Kerung-Kathmandu cross-country railway service, formation of a high-level bilateral mechanism to implement China supported projects, construction of two friendship bridges in Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani, cross-country transmission.

During the visit, the two countries will also sign some agreements and memorandum of understandings. Bilateral discussions will be held and MoUs signed on matters relating to infrastructure development, investment, energy, tourism among other sectors under the one belt one road initiative, said Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. "The major objective of the visit is to further deepen bilateral relations and cooperation", he said.

Prime Minister Oli is also scheduled to visit Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region of China, where he will meet with the provincial leaders. The Prime Minister and the delegation will return home on June 24.

Briefing a Federal Parliament meeting about his China visit in New Baneshwar on Monday, Oli said he’d sign some bilateral agreements to open additional corridors and invite Chinese investments in the country. Oli will return home on June 24.