Senior Chinese leader in town
Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of the People’s Republic of China, is scheduled to depart today (Thursday) after concluding his visit here. He arrived in Kathmandu Monday afternoon leading a 67-member of his delegation on a four-day official visit to Nepal at the invitation of Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament Agni Prasad Sapkota.
Speaker Sapkota, Chairman of the National Assembly Ganesh Prasad Timalsina and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lok Bahadur Thapa, welcomed the Chinese delegation led by leader Li at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he arrived in Nepal in line with his prescheduled visit from September 12-15.
During his stay in Kathmandu, he held bilateral talks with Speaker Sapkota and signed an MoU on Monday.
He also paid a courtesy call to President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
During the meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Deuba reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the “One China” policy and assured the visiting Chinese leaders that Nepali soil will not be allowed for any anti-China activities.
Likewise, wide-ranging matters of mutual interest between the two countries including bilateral trade, investment, connectivity, return of Nepali students to China, resumption of passenger flights, and reopening of border ports, among others were discussed during the meeting, according to a press statement issued
by the Foreign Ministry this evening.
The Chinese side appreciated Nepal for its stand on the One China policy and its commitment not to allow the Nepali territory to be used against the core interests of China.
Prime Minister Deuba appreciated China for its continued support of Nepal’s development endeavours over the years.
On the occasion, visiting Chinese leader Li assured Prime Minister Deuba that China would reopen the border ports shortly after controlling COVID-19 cases in Tibet while facilitating the passage of containers carrying goods and supplies for upcoming festivals in Nepal.
The Chinese delegation informed that it would step up efforts to implement Chinese-assisted projects in Nepal. In response to Nepal’s request, the Chinese side agreed to take proactive efforts to support Nepal’s smooth and sustainable graduation from the LDC status.
Li also held a meeting with Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Federal Parliament of Nepal, at the Parliament Building in New Baneshwor, also on Tuesday. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Narayan Khadka also paid a courtesy call on Li.
Li also held separate meetings with the former prime minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and former prime minister and CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli at the Parliament Building in New Banshwor. During the meeting, senior leaders of the parties accompanied their chairmen. During official talks between Speaker Sapkota and Li on Monday, the two dignitaries expressed happiness over the excellent state of bilateral relations and cooperation between Nepal and China and held discussions on different matters of mutual interests. Speaker Sapkota also reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the One China Policy and not to allow any activity against China in Nepali territory. Likewise, visiting Chinese leader Li expressed China’s continued support for Nepal’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. During the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen interparliamentary exchanges and cooperation. Li promised to provide assistance to the Nepali Parliament as per its need and requirement at the institution level.
The two dignitaries also exchanged views on the importance of implementing connectivity infrastructures, including under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Chinese side assured that China would clear all containers destined for Nepal at the earliest before the festive season in Nepal. Following the bilateral talks, Speaker Sapkota and Li Zhanshu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Inter-parliamentary Cooperation.
Speaker Sapkota hosted a dinner in honour of Li and the visiting delegation at the Soaltee Hotel Monday evening.
Leader Li will return home on Thursday.