KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 15

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, speaking about his participation at the United Nations General Assembly and his China visit, said these were crucial to present Nepal's democratic and inclusive governance system to the world.

Briefing the House of Representatives about his visit to America and China, PM Dahal said, 'I have taken it as an important opportunity to participate as head of government in the General Assembly in New York and speak about the issue of Nepal to the international community.'

PM Dahal also spoke about his third visit to China and reiterated his belief that bilateral bonding between Nepal and China would strengthen.

'I would like to inform that these visits will benefit Nepal and enhance Nepal-China relations,' he said.

During the visit to China, discussion will be held on cooperation from China in advancing Nepal's infrastructure, agriculture, energy, tourism, health, education and various other areas.

He said the areas of mutual cooperation between the two countries would be further expanded.

PM Dahal said talks would be held on opening bilateral trade checkpoints and traditional border points between the two countries that were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, lawmakers have suggested that PM Dahal hold discussions about electricity trade, railway, oil and the controversial map released by China.

CPN-UML MP Raghuji Pant said the issue of Nepal-China electricity trade should be discussed during the prime minister's China visit. Speaking to media after the HoR meeting, Pant said, 'Since Nepal's electricity trade is dependent on India, it can leverage this to pressurise Nepal. Hence, electricity trade with China should be our priority.'

He further said, 'The BRI project should also be taken forward and it would not be appropriate for the prime minister to go to China via the USA. A few more border points should be opened with China.'

Nepali Congress MP Ramhari Khatiwada said the prime minister's visit should not affect the country's nationality, national integrity and sovereignty. He said Nepal's territory should also be discussed diplomatically.

He expressed belief that the prime minister's visit would solve the problem of oil and railways.

'The prime minister should favour our side without compromising the country's nationality, national integrity and sovereignty. Our relationship with our neighbours should remain neutral.

We have suggested that the prime minister work for the benefit of Nepal during his visit. The prime minister should keep Nepal's stance with India and China regarding the issue of our map. We believe that the prime minister will hold discussions to solve the problems of oil and railways with China,' he said.

CPN-MC MP Devendra Paudel said the prime minister would talk about opening a few more Nepal-China border points during his visit.

'When the Chinese President visited Nepal, we signed 20 points which included opening the border, trade and some big projects. The subject of their interest is the BRI project,' he said. He further said, 'Putting nationality of our country at the centre, important issues will be discussed with the Chinese side to maintain harmonious relations with neighbouring countries and the international community. A decision will be taken only after holding serious discussion on business and cooperation.'' Chief Whip of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Gyan Bahadur Shahi said, 'The prime minister should refrain from visiting China without resolving the issue of the controversial map. He also asked the prime minister to solve the problems of Nepal Airlines as it has yet to get permission to carry passengers in Hong Kong transit.'

PM Dahal is leaving for New York tomorrow. He will be leading a Nepali delegation to the US. 'Nepal, Chairing the Global Coordination Bureau of the Least Developed Countries, would present the common concerns and agendas of 47 LDCs,' PM Dahal informed the Parliament.

After addressing the 78th session of the UNGA, PM Dahal will directly travel to Hangzhou in China on September 22.

'I have to go directly to China from New York due to lack of time between the address at UNGA in New York and China,' he said.

He will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hangzhou.

He is also scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and hold bilateral talks.

A version of this article appears in the print on September 16, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.