The ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) has requested the Chinese government to expedite the implementation of projects related to physical infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Maoists have urged the Chinese government through Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to take initiative for the timely implementation of these projects, which are considered important for Nepal's economic and social development.
The request was made during a courtesy call by Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi, who is on a three-day visit to Nepal, with UCPN (Maoist) Central Committee Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. Maoist leader Shakti Basnet said that they had drawn the attention of the Chinese Foreign Minister to create a conducive environment for the smooth operation of Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi checkpoints which could not be regularized for a long time due to the Corona epidemic.
On the occasion, various aspects of Nepal-China relations were discussed. Talking about the friendly relations between the two countries, UCPN-M Chairman Prachanda reiterated his commitment not to allow anti-China activities on Nepal's soil. Chairman Prachanda said, "Nepal has always adhered to the one-China policy and we will not allow its land to be used against any country." He said that he was confident that the projects committed by BRI and China related to Nepal's economic development would move forward.
The Maoists also urged the Chinese Foreign Minister to help reduce Nepal's growing trade deficit with China. Leader Basnet informed that they have been requested to solve the necessary policy and technical problems in the context of increasing the trade deficit due to the inconvenience of the checkpoint due to Corona. The Maoist leadership especially thanked the Chinese government for the assistance received by Nepal from the Chinese government during the Corona period.
Taking the request of the Maoist top leadership positively, the Chinese Foreign Minister expressed China's commitment to continue supporting Nepal's economic and social development. He said that the Chinese government has always supported and will continue to support Nepal's keen interest and strong desire for development due to its close neighbourly and traditionally friendly relations. The meeting was attended by Maoist leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha, leader Basnet, Chairman Prachanda's personal secretary Ramesh Malla and others.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a courtesy call on President Bidhyadevi Bhandari today. On Saturday evening, Wang had a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Earlier, delegation-level talks were held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. At the same time, various nine-point agreements were reached.
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