Kathmandu ready to welcome Chinese President Xi (In Pictures)

As President of People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping is arriving to Nepal today afternoon for a two-day official state visit–ending a hiatus of 23 years–the capital city Kathmandu is all prepared to welcome the arriving President.

The city has been cleaned, welcome gates have been erected in major points, roads have been black-topped and pot holes are filled, sideways decorated with flowers and photos of Xi and President Bidya Devi Bhandari are hung up from pillars to pillars.

Security has been stepped up in the valley with more than 15,000 security personnel from Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and National Investigation Department standby for round-the-clock security in multiple layers–the highest number of security mobilization for any high profile visit from a foreign country.

Three bulletproof vehicles are ready–to be used by Xi and his security guards.

The government has also declared public holiday on Sunday in view of Xi’s visit.

Itinerary

Today

4:30 pm – Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport

President Bidya Devi Bhandari to receive Xi at the TIA, Xi and Bhandari will witness guard of honor

6:30 pm – Meeting with Bhandari at Sitalniwas

7:30 pm – Banquet in honor of Xi at Hotel Soaltee

Tomorrow

10:30 am – Meeting with NCP Chair Dahal, Meeting with NC President Deuba

11:10 am – Delegation-level talks with PM Oli, MoUs signing

1:00 pm – Return to China

Photos: Mukunda Kalikote/Reporters’ Club Nepal