Kathmandu, April 1: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who returned home on Monday after completing an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, said the visit has contributed to further strengthening the mutual goodwill, respect, and trust between the two countries. 

Talking to media persons at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival from the northern neighbour, the Minister remarked, “The historic and friendly relations between the two countries have reached new heights through this visit.”

DPM Shrestha had been on a visit to China from March 24 to March 31, at an invitation of Communist Party of China (CPC)’s political bureau central committee member and China’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi. 

During the visit, Minister Shrestha extended an invitation to his counterpart Wang to visit Nepal at his convenient time. 

“Both parties have agreed for an effective implementation of Nepal-China agreements and to regularise the meetings of existing mechanisms to expedite the pace of cooperation,” the Minister said.  According to him, with his visit to the northern neighbour, the mutual relations and respect between Nepal and China have reached a new height. 

“The discussions held during the visit were comprehensive and open, focusing on mutual assistance and cooperation,” said the Minister, expressing hope that the trip contributed to further strengthening the centuries-old, multi-dimensional, and friendly relations between Nepal and China. 

He briefed the media that the Chinese side is positive for ensuring trans-border pastureland for the Nepali community residing on the Nepal-China border as per the agreement reached in 2012 and electrification at some Nepali villages there. 

Similarly, the Chinese side responded positively to the call of Nepal to resume the Kathmandu-Lhasa direct bus service, facilitating the exports of buff, medicinal herbs, vegetables, and fruits from Nepal to China. 

During the discussions, Minister Shrestha urged China to establish multi-dimensional labs in certain areas along the Nepal-China border and provide capital and technological assistance to enhance Nepal’s agricultural sector productivity. 

Both parties have been positive for operating the flights from Kathmandu and Pokhara to various cities in China.  Likewise, both parties have expressed interest in expanding transnational roadways, air flight services, and electricity transmission lines to Nepal-China connectivity. Both parties have agreed to come up with agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and infrastructure projects and implement them. 

Minister Shrestha urged China’s government and private sector investors for their enthusiastic participation in the Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to take place on  April 28-29, for their support to make the Nepal Visit Year 2025, considering investing in Nepal’s diverse sectors. (RSS)