Kathmandu: In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has expressed a strong commitment to advancing the strategic partnership between China and Nepal, emphasizing the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to foster cooperation across various sectors.
Commitment to Bilateral Cooperation
Premier Li conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, on behalf of the Chinese government. In his message, Li reiterated his readiness to execute the consensus reached by the top leaders of both nations, focusing on the Belt and Road Cooperation. This initiative aims to deepen bilateral relations and promote cooperation in multiple areas, ensuring mutual development and prosperity.
The Ambitious Belt and Road Initiative
The Belt and Road Initiative, championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, represents a colossal effort to enhance global connectivity and trade. Under this framework, Nepal and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various fronts, including infrastructure development, trade, policy dialogue, and technological exchange. The BRI is designed to integrate economic strategies, environmental policies, and cultural exchanges between participating countries.
Elevation to Strategic Partnership
Premier Li emphasized his desire for continuous progress in the Nepal-China friendly strategic partnership. He highlighted that the relationship is founded on principles of peaceful coexistence, equality, and mutual benefit. This partnership was notably elevated to a strategic level during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal in 2019, marking a new era in bilateral relations.
Diplomatic Engagements and Future Prospects
On a busy diplomatic front, Prime Minister Oli received separate visits from Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, US Ambassador D. R. Thompson, and Chinese Ambassador Chen Song at his office in Singha Durbar. Each diplomat extended their congratulations and best wishes, underscoring the international significance of Oli’s appointment.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, known for his pro-China stance, was appointed on July 14, following the failure of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda to secure a confidence vote in the House of Representatives. Oli now leads a coalition government tasked with ensuring political stability and advancing Nepal’s development agenda in this new geopolitical landscape.
Moving Forward: A New Era of Cooperation
The transformation of Nepal-China relations from a comprehensive cooperative partnership to a strategic partnership for development signifies a robust commitment to mutual growth and prosperity. With the BRI as a cornerstone, both nations are poised to navigate a path of enhanced connectivity, shared development goals, and strengthened diplomatic ties, heralding a promising future for the region.
