Nepal PM Oli set to visit China next month

28 Oct 2024 CW Team

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is slated to visit China in November, as confirmed by officials from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Foreign Ministry. This visit follows his recent completion of 100 days in office, during which he has instructed officials to update him on the status of Chinese projects in Nepal, particularly those related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

A Foreign Ministry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “The Foreign Ministry has been directed to report on the progress of the BRI and other agreements between Nepal and China. This briefing will occur within the week, and preparations for the Prime Minister's visit have also begun.”

Despite the signing of the BRI agreement in 2017, details of the deal remain largely undisclosed by both parties. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, has indicated that projects such as the second phase of the Ring Road, the Hilsa-Simikot Road, the fourth phase of the Araniko Highway, and the Integrated Check Post in Korala, Mustang, are progressing under the BRI framework.

In addition to BRI discussions, Prime Minister Oli is expected to address topics related to energy and trade during his visit, leading a delegation to China in the third week of November.

Oli, who leads the CPN-UML party, assumed office for the fourth time in July after forming an alliance with the Nepali Congress, the largest party in parliament. Following his inauguration, he attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, where he met with various state and government leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ET)

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