Nepal to enhance cooperation with China under framework of Belt and Road initiative

Nepal’s new Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli said in Kathmandu on June 18 that Nepal is willing to enhance cross-border railroad connectivity, infrastructure development, trade, investment and tourism cooperation with China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Prime Minister Oli was speaking to the Xinhua News Agency, the official state-run press agency of the People's Republic of China, ahead of a five-day visit to China beginning June 19. Oli told Xinhua that the Himalayan nation is fully committed to implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative signed with China two years ago.

His government has formed a mechanism to implement projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and various ministries are working for the same target, the prime minister said.

Nepal has viewed the Belt and Road Initiative as an important development initiative, added Oli. The Prime Minister said Nepal has recently proposed some projects in the areas of roads, railway, energy, transmission line for cooperation with China.

While talking about Nepal's ties with China, Oli said it attaches great value to its relationship. "China is our immediate neighbour. Our two countries share a long history of friendly relations which are multifaceted and deep rooted. Our relations are based on the solid foundation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence," he said.

During his visit, Oli will meet Chinese President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang and other senior Chinese leaders in Beijing. He will lead a 100-plus delegation.

This is his first visit to China after coming to power in February, 2018.

Edited by NH Web Desk.