Politics
21:36, 18-Jun-2018
PM's visit to China will focus on building trust on the highest level: Nepali ambassador
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05:22
Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli is beginning an official trip to China on Tuesday at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
This is Oli's first visit to China since his re-election for the post in February this year.
The Ambassador of Nepal to China Leela Mani Paudyal said the visit "would focus on building trust between the two countries on the highest level."
China’s willingness to share its experience on development with neighboring countries is an opportunity for Nepal, Paudyal added.
The ambassador said the two sides have a wide range of cooperation areas, such as infrastructure and hydropower, as Nepal holds great energy potentials.
May 11, 2018: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli wave to onlookers during a visit to a temple in Janakpur, some 200 km southeast of Kathmandu. /VCG Photo
May 11, 2018: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli wave to onlookers during a visit to a temple in Janakpur, some 200 km southeast of Kathmandu. /VCG Photo
Before visiting China, the prime minister paid a visit to India.
Nepal’s relations with China and India are independent, Paudyal said, adding that Nepal can cooperate with both China and India as a sovereign country.
Paudyal said his country wants to be part of the "Economic Corridor" China has proposed and to benefit from it.
During Oli's visit to China in 2016, the two sides signed a landmark transit tread deal, and explored further opportunities for a free trade deal.
Nepal has agreed to prepare a feasibility study and the negotiations are due to start after the study, Paudyal added.
On the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the ambassador said Nepal is expected to draw benefits from its participation in the framework, though the country has lagged behind due to elections.
"It's time to make a concrete plan concerning the initiative."
In response to the reports on West Seti hydropower project hitting a roadblock, which raised concerns about investment in Nepal, Paudyal said negotiations are currently underway and a license has been issued.