Kathmandu, June 6

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Bhim Rawal today urged Chinese side to open and resume bilateral cargo traffic via Araniko Highway which has been blocked for over a year following the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in April, 2015.

While receiving Deputy Chief of Chinese Army, Admiral Sun Jianguo at his office today, Rawal recalled the understanding reached between Nepal and the Chinese sides during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to the northern neighbour in March for early resumption of the blocked motorway, according Shiva Simkhada, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence.

Admiral Sun, on his part, assured that the Chinese side was ready to implement all agreements and understandings that were agreed upon during the Nepal PM’s visit, including the one of resuming the blocked highway before long, Simkhada informed.

The deputy prime minister extended thanks for China’s generous support in rescue and relief works during troubled times resulting from the earthquake and the financial assistance for reconstruction works.

Lauding China’s continued technical military help for Nepali peacekeepers under the United Nations, he said he expected further support in future as well.