Kathmandu: Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has announced that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will be implemented in Nepal based on a consensus among all concerned parties. Dr Rana disclosed this information while addressing the media at Tribhuvan International Airport after returning from an official visit to China, where she was invited by her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dr Rana emphasized that although Nepal signed the BRI project framework in 2017, discussions continue regarding its implementation. She stated that the enforcement of the BRI would be determined by agreements and understandings between Nepal, China, and all stakeholders within Nepal. She further mentioned that Nepal is currently not in a position to receive loans and that discussions with the Chinese side focused on implementing the BRI project through grants. The ruling Nepali Congress party, along with its partner UML, has agreed to proceed with the project on a grant basis.
Dr Rana high
lighted the strong bilateral relations between Nepal and China, noting that high-level visits between the two countries have bolstered people-to-people connections. Her recent visit was part of this ongoing series of exchanges. During her stay, she discussed the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to China with her Chinese counterpart.
The Nepali Embassy in China released a statement revealing that Dr Rana held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Minister Yi in Chengdu. The meeting covered various aspects of Nepal-China relations, with both ministers underscoring the significance of regular high-level exchanges. Discussions also focused on preparations for the upcoming visit by PM Oli.
Dr Rana reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the ‘One China Principle’ and assured that Nepal would not allow any activities against China within its territory. Both sides reaffirmed their support for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference.
The talks between the two ministers also addres
sed trade, connectivity, investment, tourism, and people-to-people relations. They emphasized progress on connectivity projects such as the cross-border railway project, Tokha-Chhahare tunnel, highway, and economic corridor projects. Both leaders expressed their dedication to working together to deepen practical cooperation and expressed optimism about celebrating the year 2025 as ‘Visit Nepal Year’ for Chinese tourists, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations.
Dr Rana appreciated China’s continuous support for Nepal’s socio-economic development and stressed the importance of expediting the execution of ongoing projects and implementing agreements reached between the two nations. The meeting also covered overall bilateral relations and mutual interests on regional and global levels.