BRI Implementation Plan is in final stage: DPM Shrestha

May 20, Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha on Sunday said that the text on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Implementation Plan was in the final stage.

At a seminar organized by the Embassy of China in Kathmandu on Sunday, the Deputy Prime Minister said, “Nepal is ready to sign it at a mutually convenient time. I am confident that the implementation of this plan will bring visible results on the ground.”

The seminar on “Review of the Friendship since the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Nepal and China, and Moving Forward Together for a Better Future” witnessed the participation of all major political parties, scholars and professionals as well as the chiefs and representatives from the friendship organizations.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha also shared that Nepal has decided to join the Group of Friends of Global Development Initiatives (GDI), which was put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping and formed at the United Nations to engage further in common development endeavours, including the fight against climate change impacts.

Likewise, Shrestha added that Nepal-China ties are built on commonalities of culture, and geography, as well as people-to-people relations.

“Over the years, we have built strong relations based on mutual respect, trust, goodwill, and understanding. Our relations are founded solidly on the bedrock of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence called Panchsheel, the age-old legacy of friendship, close and good neighbourliness, cooperation and understanding, appreciation of each other’s sensitivities, and trusted partnership,” according to Shrestha.

Similarly, he added that Nepal and China have achieved landmark progress and dynamism in their bilateral relations through the exchange of high-level visits and have also been utilizing the regional and multilateral forums to hold meetings between the leaders and discuss the issues of mutual interests.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Nepal and China have discussed some key issues including enhancing support for the socio-economic development and prosperity of Nepal, agriculture, connectivity, infrastructure, trade and investment, education, technology and innovation, sustainable development, and people-to-people relations.

He also shared that discussions were held with the Chinese side on matters relating to the opening of 14 traditional border trading points between Nepal and China, swift implementation of the ongoing development projects in Nepal, and further activating the established bilateral mechanisms.

“Nepali people want to see the fruits of our excellent and exemplary bilateral relations. Following the successful holding of the elections of three tiers of federal set-up and well-functioning governments at all levels, Nepal’s current efforts are geared towards achieving sustainable and high economic growth leading to the fulfilment of people’s aspirations for peace, stability, progress and prosperity,” according to the Deputy Prime Minister.

In this respect, Nepal is committed to widening and deepening its cooperation with China in such vital sectors as connectivity, infrastructure development, agriculture, trade, tourism, investment, ICT, and people-to-people relations, among others, he added. On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song shared that the two countries have respected each other’s interests and developed confidence. Ambassador Chen committed to China’s support to Nepal’s development endeavours.

On the occasion, former chairman of National Assembly Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, former Deputy Prime Minister and Nepali Congress leader Sujata Koirala, CPN (Maoist Centre) General Secretary Dev Gurung, CPN (ML) General Secretary CP Mainali, UML leader Dr Rajan Bhattarai, CPN (Unified Socialist) Vice-Chairman Pramesh Hamal and other leaders shared their views on Nepal-China relations and implementing the BRI projects in Nepal speedily. RSS