KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Narayan Khadka has returned home on Thursday by concluding his three-day visit to People’s Republic of China (PRC) along with significant agreements for bilateral cooperation including to further extend assistance in the areas of trade, connectivity, investment, health, tourism, poverty alleviation, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, education and culture, among others.
Upon his arrival, Minister Dr Khadka issued a press note at the Tribhuvan International Airport stating that his visit was vital to review the implementation of the agreements signed during the visit of his Chinese counterpart and State Councilor Wang Yi held in March 25 to 27 and to reach a consensus on additional issues of the mutual interest.
On the occasion, Dr Khadka said that Nepal-China air service has resumed while all the remaining Nepali students who wish to return to China for their study can proceed for visa procedures to resume their studies.
Likewise, Minister Dr Khadka said he has assured his Chinese counterpart about Nepal’s unswerving stance on one-China policy noting that Nepal would not allow the use of its territory for any activity against China.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang also reiterated China’s continued and unconditional support and solidarity for Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and assured to provide assistance in Nepal’s development efforts as per the Nepal government priorities.
We have given stress for the timely completion of crucial understandings reached during the high-level visits made in the past, he said.
Likewise, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang has assured timely completion of those projects being implemented in Nepal with Chinese assistance, according to Dr Khadka.
Minister Dr Khadka said that China has agreed to provide 800 million RMB in assistance in 2022 to Nepal while assuring to provide Nepal with chemical fertilizers and consider towards commissioning a feasibility study on the establishment of chemical fertilizer factory.
Furthermore, positive talks have been held to encourage Chinese investors for the promotion of Nepal’s traditional medicinal herbs as well to export Nepali tea in China, according to Minister Dr Khada.
Both sides agreed to establish the joint mechanism for pandemic control at border points.
Similarly, after COVID-19 pandemic subsides in Tibet region, Rasuwa-Keyrong and Tatopani-Jhagum border points would be resumed for trade and Hilsa-Pulang border opened one-side.
Upon the request of Nepal, China has agreed to provide assistance for the purchase of essentials on disaster management, mitigation and rescue tools worth 3 million RMB, and the medicines and health materials worth 2 million RMB.
Minister Khadka also informed that he extended gratitude to the Chinese people and government on behalf of the Nepal government for providing medical supplies and vaccination against COVID-19 during the pandemic.
He shared that the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had expressed commitment for such assistance in the days ahead.
Moreover, the Chinese government has agreed to provide assistance to set up a laboratory required to produce Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells (CAR T Cells) at Civil Hospital and required technology, equipment and training for the treatment of blood cancer.
The Chinese side has also agreed for the entry of Nepalis students undergoing higher study in Chinese universities/colleges to resume their study in China with return from Nepal if they want.
Any student willing for going to China to resume higher study can now begin visa process by following the specified health protocol.
The Minister further informed that both sides agreed to form a joint expert team to forward the works relating to Nepal-China Joint Boundary Inspection Committee.
In addition to the meeting, discussion was held on continuing cooperation and support in the regional and multi-sectoral forums.
Nepal and China have been extending cooperation and support in the issues of mutual interest in various international forums including the UN, and G-77+ China.
Minister Khadka also attended a dinner reception hosted in his honour by the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday.
