Nepal and China signed 18 memorandums of understanding (MoU) and two letters of exchange – to promote bilateral cooperation in multiple fields including physical infrastructure development, railroad connectivity and investment – today on the concluding day of Chinese President Xi Jinping's two-day state visit to Nepal.
The signing of 18 MoUs and two Letters of Exchange in regard with having a partnership with government bodies including the Ministries of Home, Foreign Affairs, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Agriculture and Livestock Development, Industry, Commerce and Supply, and the Kathmandu metropolis were witnessed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Xi today morning.
Foreign ministers from Nepal and China as well as finance, home and foreign secretaries and secretaries at related ministries and the Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yaunqi signed and exchanged the MoU and letters of exchange, on the occasion.
Xi arrived in Kathmandu yesterday in a first visit by a sitting Chinese president to Nepal in over two decades.
The two sides – while recalling the MoU signed between the two countries on June 21, 2018 on Cooperation in Railway Project – agreed to conduct the feasibility study as outlined in the MoU signed on October 13, 2019, which will lay an important foundation to launching the construction of the Cross-Border Railway, a joint statement issued on the occasion, reads, adding that both sides also reiterated their commitment to extend cooperation on Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lumbini Railway Project. “The two sides welcomed the reopening and restoration of the freight functions of the Zhangmu-Khasa port, and will optimise the functions of the Jilong-Keyrung port and open the Lizi-Nechung port at the earliest possible time and build necessary infrastructure on the Nepali side of the border.”
Both sides would also keep implementing the Protocol concerning the Utilisation of Highway in Tibet of China by Nepal for Cargo Transport and the Protocol to the Agreement on Transit Transport. On the basis of maintaining the long-term operational condition of the Araniko Highway, both sides agreed to cooperate on upgrading and reconstructing the highway on a priority basis in a step-by-step manner.
The Chinese side conveyed its readiness in initiating the repair of Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Highway, the statement reads realising the importance of enhanced level of connectivity between the two countries, the two sides agreed to proactively cooperate on the feasibility study for the construction of tunnels along the road from Jilong-Keyrung to Kathmandu. “The Chinese side also noted the request made by the Nepali side for the construction of Kimathanka-Leguwaghat section of the Koshi Highway and agreed to consider this project in future cooperation plan and requested the Nepali side to submit a detailed proposal.”
According to the joint statement, the two sides reiterated their commitment to undertake study on the possibility of cooperation, as reflected in the Joint Statement issued in Beijing on June 21, 2018, for the development of the three North-South corridors in Nepal – Koshi Economic Corridor, Gandaki Economic Corridor and Karnali Economic corridor – in order to create jobs and improve local livelihood, and stimulate economic growth and development. “The Chinese side will also extend assistance for training Nepali technical human resources in the field of railway, road and tunnel engineering as well as inland waterways and shipping.”
Both sides welcomed the consensus reached by the civil aviation authorities of the two countries on expanding the air rights arrangements, under the framework of which the airlines of both countries are encouraged to launch-operate more direct air services. Both sides will coordinate closely to speed up the construction of the Pokhara International Airport so that it would start operation at an early date.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the successful commercial operation of Nepal-China cross-border optical fiber cable and agreed to further strengthen cooperation on information and communications for mutual benefit.
Both agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields of economy including trade, tourism, investment, capacity of production and improving people’s livelihood so as to promote mutual development, reads the statement. “Under the framework of Nepal-China Joint Commission on Economy and Trade, the two sides will establish a working group on investment cooperation and a working group on trade led by secretary-vice minister-level officials or their designates so as to facilitate bilateral investment and trade.”
The Chinese side welcomed the Nepali side to participate in the National Exhibition of the Second China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in November 2019.
Both sides will hold comprehensive discussions with a view to strengthening trade relations between the two countries. The Chinese side will take positive measures to expand Nepal’s export to China. The Chinese side will consider providing technical support for the establishment of a multifunctional laboratory in Nepal and extend necessary cooperation to make Tatopani Frontier Inspection Station at Larcha fully functional. Nepal will facilitate the Chinese banks to open their branches and other financial services in Nepal with a view to facilitating trade and investment between the two countries. Both sides will complete their internal procedures at the earliest time for the operationalisation of the Protocol to the Transit Transport Agreement and try their best to implement it at an early date.
Both sides welcomed the signing of the Protocol on Phytosanitary requirements for the Export of Citrus Fruits from Nepal to China and agreed to conclude MoU on Cooperation on Import and Export of Food Safety at the earliest, it reads, adding that the two sides will continue cooperation on production capacity and investment according to the principles of ‘dominated by enterprises, respecting business principles, adhering to market-orientation and following international common practice’. “On the basis of the MoU on Energy Cooperation between the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation of Nepal and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China signed on June 21, 2018, both sides will bring into full play the Joint Implementation Mechanism (JIM) on Nepal-China Cooperation in energy sector, to carry out exchanges and cooperation in the fields of hydropower, wind power, solar power, biomass energy and other kinds of new energy as well as grid systems, etc.”
Both sides agreed to jointly carry out Nepal-China Electric Power Cooperation Plan and complete it within one year, apart from taking this Plan as an important reference for the next step of bilateral electric power cooperation and promote its implementation.
The Chinese side attached great importance to the aspiration of the Nepali side to establish a multidisciplinary Madan Bhandari University for Science and Technology as a mark of respect to People’s Leader Late Madan Bhandari and will extend support at the earliest date after the Nepali side chooses a suitable site for the university. Both sides will continue their discussion on the basis of the report to be submitted by the site visit working group of the Chinese side.
Likewise, the Chinese side is willing to expedite the project of improving the quality of supplied water in Kathmandu.
The Chinese side noted Nepal’s proposal on Integrated Development, including resettlement of scattered population in the Himalayan Region of Nepal. The Chinese side is willing to share experiences and consider cooperating with the Nepali side on this proposal.
Recognising that Mount Sagarmatha -Zhumulangma is an eternal symbol of the friendship between Nepal and China, the two sides will promote cooperation in different fields, including addressing climate change and protecting the environment. They will jointly announce the height of the Mount Sagarmatha-Zhumulangma and conduct scientific researches.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the signing of the Agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Boundary Management System, which will improve the level of boundary management and cooperation for both sides. They were also satisfied with signing the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and expressed hope for an early conclusion of the Treaty on Extradition. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between the law enforcement agencies on information exchanges, capacity building and training. In the next 3 years, China will offer 100 training opportunities to the Nepali law enforcement officers each year. With a view to promoting cooperation in security sector, the two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in the exchange of visits of the security personnel, joint exercises and training, disaster prevention and reduction and personnel training.
The two sides agreed to promote exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, tourism, traditional medicine, media, think tanks and youth at different levels. The Chinese side will offer the Nepali side 100 Confucius Institute Scholarships.
The Chinese side supports the Nepali side to hold the activity of Visit Nepal Year 2020, welcomes the Nepali side to participate in the travel marts held in China and is willing to facilitate Nepal’s promotion on tourism in China. The Chinese side will hold the 9th China Festival and the 4th Kathmandu Cultural Forum in Nepal, and continue to encourage the Chinese Cultural Centre and the Confucius Institute to promote Nepal-China cultural exchanges and cooperation.
The two sides welcomed that Kathmandu of Nepal and Nanjing of China and Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City of Nepal and Xi’an city of China had developed friendship-city relations. The Chinese side consented to the establishment of Nepal’s Consulate General in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China.
Both sides agreed to revitalise the existing mechanisms between the two countries to further strengthen relations and advance mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral fora and to safeguard common interests of developing countries. Both sides exchanged fruitful views on promoting collaboration and strengthening cooperation in regional issues and agreed to support each other on matters of mutual interest. The two sides expressed firm commitment to the multilateral trading regime and work for a more open, inclusive and balanced economic globalization with shared benefits.
Both sides held that President Xi Jinping’s State visit, on the historic occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to Nepal marked the beginning of a new era in Nepal-China relations and served as an important milestone in the history of friendly cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese side would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Government of Nepal and its people for their warm and friendly reception.
Nepal and China decided to elevate Nepal-China Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship to Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity, according to the joint statement.
The two sides also expressed satisfaction over the fact that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1955, Nepal-China relationship has withstood changes of the international situation and has been growing in a consistent, steady and healthy manner, which sets a model of peaceful coexistence between the two countries of different size, reads the joint statement. “Both sides recognised that the bilateral relationship between the two countries is characterized by equality, harmonious coexistence, ever-lasting friendship and comprehensive cooperation.”
Both sides decided to, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Charter of the United Nations and principles of good neighborliness; elevate Nepal-China Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship to Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity.
Likewise, The two sides agreed to respect each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respect and accommodate each other’s concerns and core interests, it reads. “The two sides will adhere to good neighboring policy and deepen overall cooperation in a win-win manner, so as to achieve mutual benefit and pursue stability and development together.”
Nepal and China take the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an important opportunity to deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation in all fields in a comprehensive manner, jointly pursue common prosperity and dedicate themselves to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region, it reads, adding that the bilateral relationship between Nepal and China has entered a new phase.
The Nepali side, on the occasion, reiterated its firm commitment to One China policy, acknowledging that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and Tibet affairs are China’s internal affairs, and the determination on not allowing any anti-China activities on its soil. The Chinese side also reiterated its firm support to Nepal in upholding the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its firm support and respect to Nepal’s social system and development path independently chosen in the light of Nepal’s national conditions.
The two sides, on the occasion, agreed to intensify implementation of the MoU on Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to enhance connectivity, encompassing such vital components as ports, roads, railways, aviation and communications within the overarching framework of trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network with a view to significantly contributing to Nepal’s development agenda that includes graduating from LDC at an early date, becoming middle income country by 2030 and realising the SDGs by the same date.
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping – at the invitation of President Bidya Devi Bhandari – paid two-day state visit to Nepal on October 12-13 October. President Xi and the Chinese delegation departed for Beijing on today afternoon.
During the visit, President Xi met with President Bhandari, held talks with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and attended the welcoming banquet by President Bhandari. While addressing a banquet hosted by Bhandari in honour of Xi yesterday evening, the Chinese President announced Rs 56 billion economic assistance for Nepal for the next two years from 2020 to 2022.
Before the banquet, Xi held talks with Nepali Congress (NC) President and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. During the meeting, Deuba appreciated Chinese investments that go towards Nepal’s development efforts.
The signing of 18 MoUs and two Letters of Exchange in regard with having a partnership with government bodies including the Ministries of Home, Foreign Affairs, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Agriculture and Livestock Development, Industry, Commerce and Supply, and the Kathmandu metropolis were witnessed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Xi today morning.
Foreign ministers from Nepal and China as well as finance, home and foreign secretaries and secretaries at related ministries and the Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yaunqi signed and exchanged the MoU and letters of exchange, on the occasion.
Xi arrived in Kathmandu yesterday in a first visit by a sitting Chinese president to Nepal in over two decades.
The two sides – while recalling the MoU signed between the two countries on June 21, 2018 on Cooperation in Railway Project – agreed to conduct the feasibility study as outlined in the MoU signed on October 13, 2019, which will lay an important foundation to launching the construction of the Cross-Border Railway, a joint statement issued on the occasion, reads, adding that both sides also reiterated their commitment to extend cooperation on Kathmandu-Pokhara-Lumbini Railway Project. “The two sides welcomed the reopening and restoration of the freight functions of the Zhangmu-Khasa port, and will optimise the functions of the Jilong-Keyrung port and open the Lizi-Nechung port at the earliest possible time and build necessary infrastructure on the Nepali side of the border.”
Both sides would also keep implementing the Protocol concerning the Utilisation of Highway in Tibet of China by Nepal for Cargo Transport and the Protocol to the Agreement on Transit Transport. On the basis of maintaining the long-term operational condition of the Araniko Highway, both sides agreed to cooperate on upgrading and reconstructing the highway on a priority basis in a step-by-step manner.
The Chinese side conveyed its readiness in initiating the repair of Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Highway, the statement reads realising the importance of enhanced level of connectivity between the two countries, the two sides agreed to proactively cooperate on the feasibility study for the construction of tunnels along the road from Jilong-Keyrung to Kathmandu. “The Chinese side also noted the request made by the Nepali side for the construction of Kimathanka-Leguwaghat section of the Koshi Highway and agreed to consider this project in future cooperation plan and requested the Nepali side to submit a detailed proposal.”
According to the joint statement, the two sides reiterated their commitment to undertake study on the possibility of cooperation, as reflected in the Joint Statement issued in Beijing on June 21, 2018, for the development of the three North-South corridors in Nepal – Koshi Economic Corridor, Gandaki Economic Corridor and Karnali Economic corridor – in order to create jobs and improve local livelihood, and stimulate economic growth and development. “The Chinese side will also extend assistance for training Nepali technical human resources in the field of railway, road and tunnel engineering as well as inland waterways and shipping.”
Both sides welcomed the consensus reached by the civil aviation authorities of the two countries on expanding the air rights arrangements, under the framework of which the airlines of both countries are encouraged to launch-operate more direct air services. Both sides will coordinate closely to speed up the construction of the Pokhara International Airport so that it would start operation at an early date.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the successful commercial operation of Nepal-China cross-border optical fiber cable and agreed to further strengthen cooperation on information and communications for mutual benefit.
Both agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields of economy including trade, tourism, investment, capacity of production and improving people’s livelihood so as to promote mutual development, reads the statement. “Under the framework of Nepal-China Joint Commission on Economy and Trade, the two sides will establish a working group on investment cooperation and a working group on trade led by secretary-vice minister-level officials or their designates so as to facilitate bilateral investment and trade.”
The Chinese side welcomed the Nepali side to participate in the National Exhibition of the Second China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in November 2019.
Both sides will hold comprehensive discussions with a view to strengthening trade relations between the two countries. The Chinese side will take positive measures to expand Nepal’s export to China. The Chinese side will consider providing technical support for the establishment of a multifunctional laboratory in Nepal and extend necessary cooperation to make Tatopani Frontier Inspection Station at Larcha fully functional. Nepal will facilitate the Chinese banks to open their branches and other financial services in Nepal with a view to facilitating trade and investment between the two countries. Both sides will complete their internal procedures at the earliest time for the operationalisation of the Protocol to the Transit Transport Agreement and try their best to implement it at an early date.
Both sides welcomed the signing of the Protocol on Phytosanitary requirements for the Export of Citrus Fruits from Nepal to China and agreed to conclude MoU on Cooperation on Import and Export of Food Safety at the earliest, it reads, adding that the two sides will continue cooperation on production capacity and investment according to the principles of ‘dominated by enterprises, respecting business principles, adhering to market-orientation and following international common practice’. “On the basis of the MoU on Energy Cooperation between the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation of Nepal and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China signed on June 21, 2018, both sides will bring into full play the Joint Implementation Mechanism (JIM) on Nepal-China Cooperation in energy sector, to carry out exchanges and cooperation in the fields of hydropower, wind power, solar power, biomass energy and other kinds of new energy as well as grid systems, etc.”
Both sides agreed to jointly carry out Nepal-China Electric Power Cooperation Plan and complete it within one year, apart from taking this Plan as an important reference for the next step of bilateral electric power cooperation and promote its implementation.
The Chinese side attached great importance to the aspiration of the Nepali side to establish a multidisciplinary Madan Bhandari University for Science and Technology as a mark of respect to People’s Leader Late Madan Bhandari and will extend support at the earliest date after the Nepali side chooses a suitable site for the university. Both sides will continue their discussion on the basis of the report to be submitted by the site visit working group of the Chinese side.
Likewise, the Chinese side is willing to expedite the project of improving the quality of supplied water in Kathmandu.
The Chinese side noted Nepal’s proposal on Integrated Development, including resettlement of scattered population in the Himalayan Region of Nepal. The Chinese side is willing to share experiences and consider cooperating with the Nepali side on this proposal.
Recognising that Mount Sagarmatha -Zhumulangma is an eternal symbol of the friendship between Nepal and China, the two sides will promote cooperation in different fields, including addressing climate change and protecting the environment. They will jointly announce the height of the Mount Sagarmatha-Zhumulangma and conduct scientific researches.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the signing of the Agreement between the Government of Nepal and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Boundary Management System, which will improve the level of boundary management and cooperation for both sides. They were also satisfied with signing the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and expressed hope for an early conclusion of the Treaty on Extradition. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between the law enforcement agencies on information exchanges, capacity building and training. In the next 3 years, China will offer 100 training opportunities to the Nepali law enforcement officers each year. With a view to promoting cooperation in security sector, the two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in the exchange of visits of the security personnel, joint exercises and training, disaster prevention and reduction and personnel training.
The two sides agreed to promote exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, tourism, traditional medicine, media, think tanks and youth at different levels. The Chinese side will offer the Nepali side 100 Confucius Institute Scholarships.
The Chinese side supports the Nepali side to hold the activity of Visit Nepal Year 2020, welcomes the Nepali side to participate in the travel marts held in China and is willing to facilitate Nepal’s promotion on tourism in China. The Chinese side will hold the 9th China Festival and the 4th Kathmandu Cultural Forum in Nepal, and continue to encourage the Chinese Cultural Centre and the Confucius Institute to promote Nepal-China cultural exchanges and cooperation.
The two sides welcomed that Kathmandu of Nepal and Nanjing of China and Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City of Nepal and Xi’an city of China had developed friendship-city relations. The Chinese side consented to the establishment of Nepal’s Consulate General in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China.
Both sides agreed to revitalise the existing mechanisms between the two countries to further strengthen relations and advance mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral fora and to safeguard common interests of developing countries. Both sides exchanged fruitful views on promoting collaboration and strengthening cooperation in regional issues and agreed to support each other on matters of mutual interest. The two sides expressed firm commitment to the multilateral trading regime and work for a more open, inclusive and balanced economic globalization with shared benefits.
Both sides held that President Xi Jinping’s State visit, on the historic occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to Nepal marked the beginning of a new era in Nepal-China relations and served as an important milestone in the history of friendly cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese side would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Government of Nepal and its people for their warm and friendly reception.
Nepal and China decided to elevate Nepal-China Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship to Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity, according to the joint statement.
The two sides also expressed satisfaction over the fact that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1955, Nepal-China relationship has withstood changes of the international situation and has been growing in a consistent, steady and healthy manner, which sets a model of peaceful coexistence between the two countries of different size, reads the joint statement. “Both sides recognised that the bilateral relationship between the two countries is characterized by equality, harmonious coexistence, ever-lasting friendship and comprehensive cooperation.”
Both sides decided to, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Charter of the United Nations and principles of good neighborliness; elevate Nepal-China Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship to Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity.
Likewise, The two sides agreed to respect each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respect and accommodate each other’s concerns and core interests, it reads. “The two sides will adhere to good neighboring policy and deepen overall cooperation in a win-win manner, so as to achieve mutual benefit and pursue stability and development together.”
Nepal and China take the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an important opportunity to deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation in all fields in a comprehensive manner, jointly pursue common prosperity and dedicate themselves to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region, it reads, adding that the bilateral relationship between Nepal and China has entered a new phase.
The Nepali side, on the occasion, reiterated its firm commitment to One China policy, acknowledging that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and Tibet affairs are China’s internal affairs, and the determination on not allowing any anti-China activities on its soil. The Chinese side also reiterated its firm support to Nepal in upholding the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its firm support and respect to Nepal’s social system and development path independently chosen in the light of Nepal’s national conditions.
The two sides, on the occasion, agreed to intensify implementation of the MoU on Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to enhance connectivity, encompassing such vital components as ports, roads, railways, aviation and communications within the overarching framework of trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network with a view to significantly contributing to Nepal’s development agenda that includes graduating from LDC at an early date, becoming middle income country by 2030 and realising the SDGs by the same date.
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping – at the invitation of President Bidya Devi Bhandari – paid two-day state visit to Nepal on October 12-13 October. President Xi and the Chinese delegation departed for Beijing on today afternoon.
During the visit, President Xi met with President Bhandari, held talks with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and attended the welcoming banquet by President Bhandari. While addressing a banquet hosted by Bhandari in honour of Xi yesterday evening, the Chinese President announced Rs 56 billion economic assistance for Nepal for the next two years from 2020 to 2022.
Before the banquet, Xi held talks with Nepali Congress (NC) President and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. During the meeting, Deuba appreciated Chinese investments that go towards Nepal’s development efforts.
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