DPM Shrestha seeks Chinese cooperation to address border issues

LHASA: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, currently on an official visit to China, has called upon the Chinese authorities for their cooperation in resolving the challenges faced by residents along the Nepal-China border.

During his meeting with Wang Junzheng, Secretary of the Communist Party of China for the Xizang Autonomous Region, on Friday, the Deputy Prime Minister urged cooperation in several key areas.

He emphasized the need for arrangements to utilize pastureland along the border areas, issuance of entry passes for Nepali containers, and electrification projects in Nepal's highlands.

Referring to an agreement reached during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to reopen 14 traditional transit points between Nepal and China, Shrestha anticipated the facilitating role of the Xizang provincial government in implementing this understanding.

Furthermore, he extended an invitation to the Xizang government, investors, and the business community to participate in the Nepal Investment Summit scheduled for April 28-29. Additionally, he urged the Chinese side to facilitate the resumption of the Kathmandu-Lhasa Bus Service.

Highlighting Nepal's pursuit of rapid economic development following political transformation, Shrestha emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the people's welfare through economic empowerment. He stressed the importance of building trust among the populace, underscoring that development is essential for achieving political stability and progress.

Expressing gratitude for China's support to Nepal's development, particularly during times of crisis, Shrestha recalled his recent meetings with Wang Huning, Chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. He reiterated Nepal's adherence to the One-China Policy and pledged not to allow Nepali territory to be used against China's interests.

Asserting Nepal's unwavering commitment to its relations with China, Shrestha underscored the longstanding cultural, commercial, and intimate ties between Nepal and Tibet. He reiterated that the bilateral relationship is grounded in the principles of Panchsheel.

In response, Secretary Wang affirmed China's commitment to supporting Nepal, expressing positivity towards infrastructure development projects and the resumption of the Lhasa-Kathmandu bus service. He assured gradual reopening of the 14 traditional checkpoints and emphasized China's willingness to facilitate the movement of border area residents.

Present at the meeting were Nepali Ambassador to China Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Joint-Secretary at the Foreign Ministry Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Consul General of Lhasa Navaraj Dhakal, Deputy-Chief of Mission at the Nepali Embassy in Beijing Surendra Kumar Yadav, and DPM's Personal Secretary Suresh Kaji Shrestha.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shrestha directed Nepali officials in Lhasa to ensure effective implementation of discussed initiatives.