Kathmandu, Nov 23: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is set to visit China on Mangsir 17 (December 2) for a four-day trip. He will return to Nepal on December 5 (Mangsir 20).
According to sources from the Prime Minister’s Office, all major events and meetings during the visit are scheduled for Mangsir 18 (December 3). On that day, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Chinese counterpart.
Additionally, he is scheduled to meet other high-ranking officials and participate in the signing of agreements and other significant events.
On December 4, PM Oli will address an event organized by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing. On the same day, he will also address the Nepal-China Business Summit, a joint event between Nepali and Chinese industrialists and entrepreneurs.
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), in collaboration with other private sector organizations, is coordinating preparations for the summit.
Moreover, the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver a lecture at Peking University on the same day, as reported by high-level sources.
Delegation members
The delegation accompanying the Prime Minister is expected to include Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, along with other ministers and secretaries. However, the official list of delegation members is yet to be approved by the Cabinet.
Foreign Minister’s preparatory visit
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba will leave for Beijing on November 28 to prepare for the Prime Minister’s visit and finalize the agenda. She is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on November 30.
Initially, Dr. Deuba was expected to remain in Beijing to welcome the Prime Minister upon his arrival. However, the updated plan indicates she will return to Nepal and travel with the Prime Minister’s delegation to China.
PM Oli’s China visit is marred by controversy over the China-initiated BRI. He is facing challenges to receive grant or loan under BRI scheme. Most of the leaders inluding opposition and ruling alliance have been requesting government to receive grant only.