KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, who is currently on an official visit to China, held a bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Chengdu on Friday.
The visit, which began on Thursday, is taking place at the invitation of Minister Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs. The visit is part of the preparation for the upcoming official visit of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to China.
During the meeting, the two ministers discussed various aspects of Nepal-China relations, matters of mutual interest and concern, and the Prime Minister's upcoming visit. They also conferred on assistance likely between the two countries during the visit.
Minister Rana extended an invitation to Minister Wang for a visit to Nepal and congratulated the Government of China and its citizens on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Nepal and China are also preparing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries next year.
Highlighting recent significant developments in Nepal-China relations, Minister Rana expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government for its decision to waive visa fees for Nepali citizens visiting China.
The two ministers also dedicated time to discuss potential bilateral agreements and projects, as well as other areas of cooperation likely to be observed during the Prime Minister's visit to China. It was believed that this visit would further strengthen Nepal-China relations.
The discussions centered around the long-standing relationship between the two countries, with particular focus on Chinese assistance to various sectors in Nepal, including economic and social development. They also explored new areas for future collaboration, with an emphasis on prioritizing economic development.
Nepal's Ambassador to China, Dr Krishna Prasad Oli, Nepal's Consul General in Chengdu, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting.
Minister Wang hosted the dinner in honor of Minister Rana and her delegation this evening. During the event, Minister Rana thanked the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality and extended her appreciation for the invitation to the Prime Minister for his visit. She is scheduled to return to Nepal on Saturday.
----
