KATHMANDU: US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, indicated that the United States will withhold comments until the official document of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Framework Agreement, signed between Nepal and China, is made public.
“We’ll wait for the document to be released,” Lu said to reporters on Monday before departing for the United States.
On December 4, Nepal and China signed a framework agreement for BRI cooperation during Prime Minister KP Oli’s visit to China.
The agreement was formalized in a special ceremony in Beijing, attracting significant attention during PM Oli's visit.
Lu emphasized, “The United States believes Nepal should maintain positive relations with all its neighbors, including India and China.
However, these relationships must be based on mutual respect and the recognition of Nepal's sovereignty and independence.”
He underscored the importance of Nepal benefiting from its ties with neighboring countries such as India, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and others.
“The United States supports Nepal in various sectors, particularly in economic development and fostering relationships, with the goal of empowering Nepal to become a strong, independent nation, capable of making decisions free from external influence,” Lu explained.
During his visit, Lu met with Nepali leaders, including Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel.
He described the discussions as “constructive and encouraging,” aimed at strengthening Nepal-US bilateral ties.
However, Lu did not meet with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, as the latter was not in the capital.
Lu also highlighted the “real progress” made in the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact in Nepal, which he found particularly promising.
“Yes, I discussed the MCC with Nepali leaders, and I was excited by the progress,” Lu remarked, adding that Nepali leaders shared his enthusiasm.
He further praised the passage of the Transitional Justice bill, stating, “Though many challenges remain, it is impressive that it was adopted through consensus.”
Lu assured that the United States will continue engaging with Nepal, even after the new administration takes office in January 2025.
He also commended the "real progress" in bilateral relations, citing the MCC Compact’s implementation, the expanding USAID portfolio, dynamic development finance investments, the Peace Corps Volunteer Program, and the follow-up actions from the investment summit.
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