PM briefs parliamentary committee on his China visit
Kathmandu, March 18: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today reiterated earlier stance to not use the card of one neighbouring country against another while expressing his steadfast commitment to upholding balanced relations with both India and China.
In course of a briefing to the International Relations and Labour Committee of the Legislature-Parliament over his forthcoming visit to China starting March 20, PM Oli said that Nepal wanted to benefit from both its big neighbours.
The PM added that Nepal – China relations would gain new heights during his visit to China while further strengthening Nepal’s international relations. Development will not take place by pleading, but the country’s interest will be based in exporting products and developing infrastructures, PM Oli said.
The PM briefed the Committee meeting that during his visit bilateral talks will take place with the Chinese President, Prime Minister, Chief of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and representatives of the Chinese business fraternity. He also spoke of participating in the Boao Forum.
The PM made it clear that he would be representing the entire Nepali people and assured of not getting into any agreement that would harm the country. He further gave assurance that Nepal would enter a new phase of political, economic and international relations in the wake of the visit.
PM Oli said that the subjects pertaining to the development and opening up of the Rasuwagadhi trade point, resumption of Tatopani border point and construction of two-lane road to Kimanthanka all round the seasons would be taken up during his visit.
He added that the expansion of cross-border transmission line, railway construction from Rasuwagadhi to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Lumbini, construction of Upper Arun of 434 megawatt capacity, construction of Pokhara International Airport, second phase of expansion of the ring road and construction of monopole among others will also be raised.
On the occasion, PM said an understanding will also be reached on a deal for research on Nepal-China trade and transit structure.
Committee Chairperson, Prabhu Sah, presided over the meeting in which lawmakers underlined the crucial aspect of an agreement on fuel import and drew the PM’s attention to not risk missing it.
They further urged the PM to raise the subject of Lipu Lekh Pass after necessary homework, Karnali Hydropower Project and research on excavation of oil. The lawmakers including Shyam Shrestha, Rajan Bhattarai and Jitendra Dev thanked the PM for the briefing on the upcoming China visit.