KATHMANDU, Oct 13: Nepal-China relations have taken a stride toward consolidation and enhanced cooperation between the two. The highest level state visit after 23 years is being seen as pragmatic which led to a successful conclusion.

President Xi was given a grand welcome and he thanked the people of Nepal for their hospitality during his state banquet speech held in Soaltee Crown Plaza Hotel in Kathmandu. The hotel was also the main venue for the signing ceremony and official parleys between various leaders who the Chinese premier had a one-to-one discussion with.

A total of 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) have been signed in the presence of both the President of China Xi Jinping and Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli. The agreements were exchanged by the Foreign Ministers Pradeep Gyawali for Nepal and Wang Yi from China.

The MoU covers a wide array of investment and cooperation in the field of health, education, water supply, climate mitigation, connectivity, exports, transit, and establishing sister-city relations. Nepal has assured China of supporting its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its one-China policy. President Xi has also assured to support for VisitNepal2020.

Further, this visit has enabled closer ties between the two nations, and both are hopeful for a progressive future. Earlier the President of China also said that Nepal will not be land-linked hinting on more connectivity and transit hubs enabling economic transformation between the two nations.

President Xi will now meet Prime Minister Oli for 15 minutes and leave for the airport concluding his visit. The visit of the Chinese premier has heightened Nepal-China relations, bilateral cooperation, strengthened mechanism of trust and increased partnership for mutually beneficial projects. China is keen and has expressed its desire for the personal growth and development of the people of Nepal.

Rishi Dhamala: The long-awaited suspense has finally been broken for the people of Nepal. After 23 years, Chinese president will be officially visiting Nepal starting from today. Grand preparations have been made and our government is planning to provide a warm welcome to the leader of our northern neighbor. This visit will be made successful not because of need, but the willingness to further bilateral relations and shape ties with the second-largest economy of the world, and major global power.
It will be marked as the most important visit for Nepal in recent history. President Xi Jinping is not only charismatic in his home country but he also has an image of a global leader. He will be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coastal town of Mamallapuram as part of their second unofficial dialogue before he will arrive in Kathmandu.

It is an opportune and advantageous time for Nepal, and we hope that our government takes full advantage while our northern neighbor has been extremely cooperative and understanding toward our needs. More so because Nepal Communist Party (NCP) shares similar ideological ties with Communist Party of China (CPC). The recently concluded joint training program was a subject of contentious debate but it has paved the way to shape a bilateral relation strong enough to guide both nations into a future of continuous and a long-standing partnership.

Prioritizing necessities
Let us look deeper into why this visit is crucial for Nepal. The personal relation between PM Modi and President Xi has been cordial. Both understand changing times while they have also resolved their issues without confrontations. Nepal can and will only develop if it understands and plays a role in maintaining the cordial relation between its two neighbors.

Nepal will not progress if it tends to be one-sided or tilt in favor of the other. The necessity and priority of the hour is to be neutral. While we share an open border and culturally assimilate with our southern neighbor, we have similarities in the ruling government ideology, and trade relations with our neighbor in the north.

Nepal will have to prioritize and have a concrete plan of action that will take its development model forward. We are hoping to have lucrative investments in the field of hydropower, roadways, transmission lines, and railway wherein the aide and technological support from China will be able to change the outlook of our nation which lacks quality infrastructure.

Nepal indeed has prioritized relations with China under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his government. This has to be taken to the next levels which need to include a developmental paradigm that would be mutually beneficial for both.  China has assured that it is willing to help Nepal to come at par with the changing technological and infrastructure development trends.

Nepal for the moment needs aid that would be utilized for the benefit of both and investment opportunities through private sponsors. We need to safeguard and work toward building Nepal that will not be a burden on our future generations, but we have to take strides in economically productive ventures that will provide opportunities that will enable our masses to be economically sound and thriving.

Xi and Modi are towering personalities and their countries are emerging as economic and military superpowers. We need to take advantage of the situation and create an environment of mutual trust, confidence and the space for investments in the sectors that will be crucial determinants of our economic future.

The prospects that Nepal can envision is the one of infrastructural development, investment, and connectivity that would enable it to be self-sufficient while at the same time providing returns on investments made on its various ventures. Our potential is not limited. Hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and minerals are some of our core strengths. Most of these areas are untapped and with necessary investment and the right logistics, we would be able to generate necessary income, and provide opportunities at home for our people.

President Xi Jinping’s visit must be successful and it will be. Opportunities like these come rarely. This is happening after 23 years. Let us all hope and unite to make the visit successful, and at the same time honor our neighbors without whom our prosperity will not be possible.

(The author is the President of the Reporters Club and the Chairman of Prime Times News Channel, this article was originally published in My Republica a National English daily) 

Reporters Club: Former Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala was pragmatic regarding the visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping. DPM Koirala who is also a Senior Leader of the Nepali Congress the main opposition party was speaking at a program organized at the Reporters Club, the former DPM stated “we are joyful and filled with hope that after 23 long years the President of China will be visiting Nepal. It signifies importance and we must welcome him with Nepali grandeur as it is an occasion that will take Nepal towards prosperity”.

Remembering her late father, who had close ties with China and her people, through interpersonal and partisan ties, late Prime Minister and popular leader Girija Prasad Koirala had said that “the amiability of India-China ties reflects upon the development of Nepal, and the deeper the ties are the better it is for us and the people of Asia. I have the same opinion” she said.

The Nepali Congress has age-old ties with China starting from its founder late Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala popularly known as B.P. Our ties grew stronger over the years, and our northern neighbor has always helped us in times of dire need. Similarly, the former DPM also spoke about how former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had visited China, led a delegation for inter-party ties.

We have hope that China will provide the necessary technological and scientific skills necessary for the prospects of cooperation and development. We are now extremely stable in our politics after the promulgation of the constitution and right now there is a majority government, so this visit is crucial toward envisioning development through strong policies that will economically transform our Nation and make us self-sufficient.

This is not the time to be involved in partisan politics but unite for a greater cause for our Nation, there are plans of developing railways which are of enormous significance toward connectivity. China is now economically sound, and changing times have demanded we look forward with optimism.

Similarly, there are other crucial areas where we can make new partnerships in terms of roadways, and border points, this was done during Late Chakra Bastola’s time when he was serving as the Foreign Minister, although it didn’t materialize well due to difficult situations times have changed. Our support for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will guarantee investment opportunities for a sound future for Nepalese in the years to come.

We have a lot to learn from our northern neighbor, their expertise in infrastructure development, training of contractors and workers, and their ability for advancement has made them one of the largest powers in the global world. Let us take this opportunity with pragmatism and make the visit a grand success, said the former DPM.

Reporters Club: Former Minister for Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey was hopeful that the visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China will be a grand success that will take Nepal into a new era of progressive development. Speaking at a special interaction program at the Reporters Club today the former Minister stated “after 23 years this high-level visit has been possible due to the changing circumstances and the need of the hour. Such a visit did not take place earlier due to various reasons the main being instability in Nepalese politics. The later years were spent concentrating on promulgating the constitution.

The former Minister also said “not to confuse Nepal Communist Party as the government of Nepal, we are a political party in leadership, but this is still Nepal’s government. We adhere to the constitution and while at a partisan level our thoughts, ideas, and political preferences may be different, we are more stable, and working towards the national theme of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali”.

He was hopeful that the visit of President Xi would enable the further strengthening of bilateral ties taking it to greater heights matching that of the 21st century. Our changing times have required us to be advanced in the field of science and technology. We can only achieve this with the sincere help of our northern neighbor. We cannot continue only talking about improving ties, but this has to be shown in behavior and practice.

There is a necessity of multiple and multidimensional ties not only from people to people, but in economic implementation, media, political ties, and respecting each other’s sovereignty and dignity. At the same time, we should maintain our policy of Nation first and its people and work towards fulfilling interests beneficial for the Nation. We need to explore avenues for, mutual economic growth in several areas of infrastructural development. China has rapidly developed and is scientifically advanced an emerging global leader. We need to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in its large market through facilitating trade.

He also spoke about the need to look at issues with different perspectives stating the example of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). It is not in our interest to accept any proposal that will damage the prospects of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We propagate peace as we are the land of the Buddha.

The former Minister also spoke on the importance of putting Nepal into the path of economic self-empowerment. Talking about the railway project he said that we need a detailed feasibility study along with calculating costs, and analyzing the source of funds and contribution toward the project, it is only then a Detailed Project Report (DPR)  can be prepared.

We are in an advantageous position as we are land-linked between India and China two emerging economically powerful nations at the global stage. We need to prioritize where we need investments that will generate revenue for our people. Our agreement should be mutually beneficial respecting both the aspirations of the nation and its people” he said.

Reporters Club: “Historic and far-reaching opportunity in sight for Nepal-China relations with the visit of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping said former Minister of Commerce and Member of Parliament (MP) Romi Gauchan Thakali also a leader of the Nepali Congress.

Speaking at a special press interaction program at the Reporters Club today, former Minister Thakali also laid stress on the importance of the visit of the Chinese premier after 23 years. He said that Nepal has a foreign policy based on the principles of panchsheel and peaceful coexistence is a crucial aspect. Both nations respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The prime concern for China during this visit will be mainly regarding security.

The former Minister also reiterated his stance towards the unity of the political parties and Nepal’s acceptance of one China. ” Careful efforts have to be made by the government which has a 2/3rd majority and the ability to make sound decisions, we from the Nepali Congress assure our cooperation and support for the successful visit of the President of China a grand success.

The former Minister also spoke regarding the changing times of the 21st century stating that “it is extremely important for Nepal to materialize the railway plan from Kerung to Kathmandu. It is beneficial as connectivity increases the possibilities of sound economic ties”. We can make Nepal into a rising transit hub which is located ideally between two major emerging economies of the world. Similarly, internal connectivity between various areas of Mustang, Korala, and Jomsom is necessary to actively work towards economic prosperity.

This is an opportune moment to take advantage of income-generating opportunities through cooperation and partnership. Economic investments are required in Nepal for sectors like agriculture, hydropower, road, and railways. This opportunity that we have before us should be Nation centric, China wants peace and stability in the region which we currently are undergoing after the implementation of the constitution, the visit of President Xi Jinping will be a grand success let us work in accordance to our culture of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ ( the guest is God)” he said”.

Reporters Club: Former Nepalese Ambassador to China Tanka Karki said that the “visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China is an opportune moment for furthering long-standing bilateral relations between the two-nation”.

Speaking at a special press interaction program organized by the Reporters Club presided by the President and Senior Journalist Rishi Dhamala, the former Ambassador was hopeful for the future of Nepal that will be in the path to development.

“It is a matter of great pride, China has transformed into a leading superpower, and this is advantageous for Nepal. After 23 long years, we are receiving the highest state-level visit, a lot has changed between these times. We are in a new era, and with unity, we can move forward with mutually beneficial cooperation in the sectors of roadways, tourism, and hydropower. Imagine if we implement the railway project, the amount of tourist inflow into the capital and other parts of the country will be highly beneficial for us”.

He also expressed his firm belief that the country should be one in terms of foreign policy, this is not the time to be hesitant, we should have a clear understanding of what we want, and China is willing to deliver according to the aspirations of the Nepalese people. It is a new beginning of an era of transforming bilateral relations through the model of partnership and economic cooperation that will enable both nations to reach greater heights.

Former Ambassador Karki also said that “we need to learn to balance our ties since we are in between two powerful nations increasingly rising in strength, and with their growing bilateral relations it will be an added benefit for Nepal. We have to look at the entire visit with extreme positivity and bring in investments through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). We have a 2/3rd majority government and we are in a politically stable condition to make this happen” he said.

Reporters Club: Associate Professor of Leshan Normal University Dr. Buddhi Prasad Sharma stated that “Nepal should concentrate more on long term viable projects than looking at immediate smaller programs, and make agreements that go for a longer-term.

Speaking at a press interaction program at the Reporters Club yesterday Dr. Sharma said that Nepal should concentrate on agreements that would work towards the benefit of the coming generation of Nepalese people. He also said that ” the visit of the Chinese Premier Xi Jinping is absolutely important, and he is a towering figure not only in China where they look up to him with reverence but also a global leader. The Belt and Road Initiative that began under his leadership is a ray of hope for development in the Asian region.

“The entire world is now focused on Nepal due to the visit of President Xi, there are many unanswered questions posed in front of world leaders, what is there in Nepal, why are the people of Nepal welcoming him with grandiosity? There are different points of analysis to these questions but the most important aspect is to make the visit successful. We have to utilize this opportunity wisely” he said.

Dr. Sharma also spoke about rising China, and how the country is an economic superpower with the most foreign currency reserves. We have to learn to take advantage of this fact, and welcome President Xi in order to have a partnership that would take us to the path of development.

There are many attributes of development, and Nepal needs to prioritize accordingly in order to effectively be on the advantageous side. “We need to concentrate on the development of railways and infrastructure, look at China, such a vast land but there is no city where you cannot reach within hours traveling in a bullet train. Let us take maximum investments in our various sectors of development and make this moment of historically important. We have to work towards enhancing long term agreements and making this visit a grand success he said.

KATHMANDU, Oct 11: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said a grand preparation have been made in Kathmandu in order to ensure Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Nepal successful.

“The President of a powerful nation is arriving in Nepal and we have ensured extensive preparation to make his state visit successful,” said PM Oli while addressing a ceremony organized on the occasion of the 64th Police Day on Friday.

Xi is scheduled to arrive in Nepal on a two-day state visit on Saturday at the invitation of President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Xi’s visit will also mark the first visit by a Chinese President to Nepal after 23 years.

According to cabinet sources, President Bhandari, PM Oli and other ministers will welcome Xi at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

The cabinet had held a discussion in this regard on Friday morning.

The government has also announced a public holiday on Sunday.

On the occasion, PM Oli also highlighted the role of security bodies during high-level visits from a foreign country.

“The security bodies including Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police are making preparations on behalf of their respective sides in view of the visit by the President of China,” he said.

Rishi Dhamala: A yam between two boulders was what our founder King Prithvi Narayan Shah said. Nepal is trying to maneuver its way through its two giant neighbors maintaining a policy of cooperation and friendship with both. The new emerging relations of India and China will have an impact and both their policies in Nepal, while the current scenario has both the Nations trying to increase their influence.

Nepal has to make clear and firm choices when it deals with its two giant neighbors that are emerging superpowers of the 21st century, in fact, India is known to be one of the largest markets for foreign direct investment (FDI). China, on the other hand, has superior technical skills and their swiftness in infrastructural development would be an added advantage for Nepal.

Nepal has prioritized its relations with China under its current leadership of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Having a similar party sharing the same ideology, Nepal-China relations have flourished over the years with high-level exchanges and the much-awaited visit of President Xi Jinping which will be one of the most eye-catching events in recent times for the country. There are heavy preparations underway in order to receive the Chinese President.

Nepal-China recently completed is border opening in Rasuwagadi-Kerung border point furthering economic ties and an assurance that China too wants to see Nepal develop. Back in June 2018, PM Oli had officially visited China at the invitation of Premier Li Kequiang. There were bilateral talks and both were committed toward working for the mutual benefit for one another. Nepal then went on to sign the Belt and Road initiative (BRI), where a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in order for infrastructural development, interconnection, integration, and cultural sharing.

China has also sent teachers to Nepal for teaching the Chinese language included in the curriculum providing a new exposure to education and culture. China has also recently sent its Foreign Minister Wang Yi for a visit to Nepal where various bilateral projects were discussed, and MOU’S were signed. China has prioritized Nepal, and with the visit of President Xi Jinping, there is hope that the relations will strengthen further.

Bilateral relations have not only developed between two nations, but it has taken a step internal through inter-party relations of both Nepal and China. Similarly, underway is the Communist Party of Nepal (NCP) and Chinese Communist Party two day training program of its cadres, with the NCP taking guidance on how to take its party forward. With shared ideologies between the two nations, it is evident that both sides have ideological similarities and sympathize with one another both professional as well as at a personal level.

With the current government drastically improving ties with its northern neighbor it has to similarly look into its closest neighbor, one with which it shares not only bilateral but cultural and ecological relations that have intertwined relations since age-old history. India has stepped up to provide for its Northern neighbor, and although post the earthquake and the unofficial blockade including the dissatisfaction expressed over the constitution of Nepal, situations have demanded that the ties between Nepal and India move forward without looking back with prejudice. Prime Minister Modi visited Nepal 4 times showing his personal love and affection for the Nation no Indian PM has done in the past.

Both India and Nepal have tremendously worked over the past several years. This has shown major results like the recently concluded and in operation Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline which has considerably reduced the burden of transport and increased efficiency in the manifold. Similarly, India’s interest in developing the various hydropower potential of Nepal will benefit both the countries in the long run, in fact, the direct transmission line that has connected the valley has made load shedding a distant memory of the past.

Maintaining balance

Nepal can play an extremely important role with ties with both of its neighbors. India-China relations although with its ups and downs are seen to be gradually improving.  Current Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and the President of China Xi Jinping share a personal rapport which on the long run will definitely ensure that both sides are not at odds at each other however complex the situation may be.

While on the one hand India may want to rethink on its policies of the Belt and Road Initiative, China may want to control its activities over India’s north eastern borders. Several skirmishes of the past too have made India and China at uncertain odds, from the banks of Sabarmati when the first informal meeting was held between PM Modi and President Xi, at the banks of the river Sabarmati, PM Modi’s hometown of Gujarat.

India will host President Xi again this time in the coastal city of Mamallapuram in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Both the leaders are expected to deepen their understanding over the region and maintain cordiality as major super powers. The coastal town is in the process of being beautified with heavy landscaping and similar preparations underway.

Nepal must maintain its relations unequivocally with both its neighbors separately and make its stance clear. It will be opportune and in the best interest of Nepal that both its neighbors strengthen their bilateral ties, while our country can play a bigger role of initiating a trilateral relationship. The day hopefully may not be far when Nepal will host both the leaders in a trilateral meeting.

Times are rapidly changing with advancement in every step. Nepal needs to take advantage which its neighbors are willing to provide. India has made visa free travel for Nepalese, and this is one of the biggest advantages, as India as stated earlier is the largest market currently for FDI. There is a hope along with sincerity that our neighbors base their ties less out of competition and more toward collaboration.

I have always said even in my previously written articles, we cannot look back with prejudice. In order to have a successful and developing society we must move forward keeping in mind technology and innovation of our day and age. Nepal will look forward in the coming days with securing its interest and maintaining ties accordingly with both its neighbors who are emerging super powers with developing economics and extensive market size.

(Rishi Dhamala is a Senior Journalist and the President of the Reporters Club of Nepal he also serves as the Chairman of Prime Times Television) 

KATHMANDU, Oct 9: President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping is expected to arrive in Kathmandu on Sunday the 12th, and preparations are now underway to welcome him. The government is now putting in efforts to beautify the city, as well as maintain the roads that will be used during the meeting of the President of China.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had made the date public earlier today regarding the visit of China’s premier. There will be bilateral meetings where President Xi will meet both the Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli along with other Ministers and high ranking government officials.

The Nepal Communist Party is all set to take the Nepal China relations to a new level of friendship and cooperation, while the visit is said to be enormous and the expectations are high from both sides.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the “agenda for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is being prepared, and further cooperation in the field of railways, tunnel roads, hydropower, and transmission lines are on the list of items to be discussed for cooperation.

The Kerung -Kathmandu railway project agreement will also take place as stated by the Foreign Minister during President Xi’s visit. Further plans and project details will be discussed and are being prepared by the respective Ministries accordingly.

A four-layered security system will be constantly on guard during President Xi’s visit, the first will be provided by the Nepal Army, the second line by the Nepal Police, third by the Armed Police Force and the final layer by the National Investigating Department.