Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, has delivered a speech at Beijing Foreign Studies University, highlighting China’s Belt and Road initiative.

Nepal used to be an important thoroughfare on the ancient silk route, he said, noting that the two countries can build on the legacy and create a modern success story. Nepal has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the Belt and Road Initiative in 2014, and is considering to ink an extended MOU soon. 

Addressing students and scholars from China and Nepal, Dahal said academic exchange between both countries can connect minds and spark new ideas. Dahal also said he welcomes Chinese investment in Nepal's hydropower projects, urban infrastructures and cross border transmission lines. 

The Nepalese official is on a five-day visit to China.