PM Oli’s China visit to focus on implementation of past agreements

KATHMANDU, June 14: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s China visit will focus on bringing the past agreements to implementation.

PM Oli is scheduled to visit the northern neighbor on June 19 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang. The date of his visit was simultaneously announced by both Kathmandu and Beijing on Wednesday.

PM Oli had signed landmark agreement on Trade and Transit with China during his first visit in 2016 when he was prime minister of Nepal (from 11 October 2015 to 3 August 2016). But after his government was toppled shortly after his China visit, the successive government led by the then Maoist Center Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba refused to show any interest on the agreements Oli signed with China, pushing the deals with China into limbo.

‘Oli’s visit will focus on implementation of those agreements signed back in 2016 with China,’ PM’s Chief Political Advisor Bishnu Rimal told Reporters Club on Thursday.

‘PM Oli doesnot want to pile up more agreements with China this time around. Implementation of past understandings is on the chief agenda,’ he added.

PM Oli, during his five-day state visit, will also discuss the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a multi-billion dollar infrastructure project led by China, for the first time as Nepal became a part of it last year.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides have agreed to sing at least six agreements, while four or five other deals are still under negotiation.

Apart from the Protocol to the Transit and Transport Agreement, pacts and memorandum of understanding on connectivity, linking China and Kathmandu by rail, energy, tourism, opening more border points with the northern neighbor and construction of petroleum storage facilities, among others, will be signed this time.

Oli will also hold delegation level talks with Chinese counterpart Keqiang. Oli will be accompanied by Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Barsa Man Pun and Minister for Physical Infrastructures and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth, according to the Foreign Ministry.

PM’s chief advisor Rimal, members of parliament, high ranking governmen officials and representatives of private sectors and media persons are among the members of the delegation.

Oli will also visit Lasha and hold meetings with provincial leaders of the Tibet on his way home.