Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that no loan agreements will be signed during his upcoming official visit to China. Scheduled to commence on December 2, the visit aims to strengthen Nepal’s multi-dimensional relationship with its northern neighbor.
According to National News Agency Nepal, PM Oli clarified during a meeting with former prime ministers and foreign affairs ministers that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is not a loan project. He emphasized that the current discussions do not involve taking loans from China under the BRI. “We can take loans or grants from any country or agency based on national interest if needed,” PM Oli stated, urging people not to be swayed by rumors of potential debt traps.
PM Oli further explained that his trip to China prioritizes Nepal’s sovereignty, autonomy, and national interest. He refuted claims of a dispute between the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) regarding the visit, stating that the focus remains on actions beneficial to Nepal and w
orld peace.
The Prime Minister shared that preparations for the China visit include discussions on implementing past agreements and expanding bilateral cooperation, such as transmission line expansion and exporting Nepali products to China. He also highlighted Nepal’s equal friendly relations with India, stressing the importance of leveraging ties with both neighbors for Nepal’s economic development.
Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ addressed the meeting, recalling his own first visit to China and urging PM Oli not to exploit the ‘China card’ politically. Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba assured that the visit’s agenda is being finalized, dismissing media reports of discord between the ruling parties.
While Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba was absent from the discussions, notable attendees included former Prime Ministers Jhal Nath Khanal and Madhav Kumar Nepal, and several former foreign ministers.