Kathmandu: Nepal and China have signed nine significant agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official visit to China. The agreements were finalized following a bilateral meeting between PM Oli and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday morning.

The signing ceremony, attended by senior officials from both nations, was followed by comprehensive discussions on key areas of bilateral cooperation. Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Spokesperson and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the significance of the agreements, stating they aim to enhance ties between the two neighbors.

Key Agreements and MOUs Signed:

1. Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel Route: An exchange of letters for the development of the tunnel, a critical infrastructure project.
2. Nepal-China Trade: A memorandum of understanding to strengthen trade relations.
3. Basantapur Durbar Reconstruction: A certificate of reconstruction for the iconic nine-story heritage structure damaged in the 2015 earthquake.
4. Export of Buffalo Meat: A protocol to facilitate the export of thermally processed buffalo meat from Nepal to China.
5. Development Planning: A memorandum of understanding to promote coordinated development efforts.
6. Economic and Technical Cooperation: A commitment to collaborate on economic and technical initiatives.
7. Cash Grants: An exchange of letters to provide financial assistance to Nepal.
8. Voluntary Chinese Language Education: An agreement to promote Chinese language learning in Nepal.
9. Communication Technology Cooperation: A memorandum of understanding between Nepal Television and China Media Group to enhance media and communication collaboration.

Broader Discussions

The bilateral talks also explored avenues for connectivity, infrastructure development, industrial growth, medical cooperation, agriculture, trade, tourism, science and technology, sports, disaster management, and poverty alleviation. These discussions aim to elevate Nepal-China relations to new heights, according to Dhakal.

However, the agreements notably excluded any mention of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), despite speculation about its inclusion.

PM Oli’s China Visit

Prime Minister Oli, who arrived in China on December 2 for a four-day official visit, held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The discussions took place at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, though specific details of their conversations remain undisclosed.

Nepal and China’s growing cooperation, as reflected in these agreements, underscores their mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and addressing shared challenges through collaborative efforts.