KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 30

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal returned home today after a two-week visit to New York and China. However, experts have called PM Dahal's visit 'insignificant'.

The Nepali delegation led by PM Dahal returned home from Chengdu city in China today.

Talking to the media at Tribhuvan International Airport today, PM Dahal shared that the majority of the agendas had already been made public regarding his visit to UNGA and China.

He shared that all the northern checkpoints which were in operation before the COV- ID-19 pandemic would be operated soon and the local checkpoints would also be opened in similar way.

PM Dahal said crucial discussion was held in relation to regular flights from Chinese cities at Pokhara's Regional international Airport, adding that internal preparation was required for the same. He said bilateral flights from China would be eased soon.

PM Dahal claimed that significant achievements had been made regarding China's refusal to recognise Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura as Nepal's territory in its new standard map.

PM Dahal, during his official visit to China, held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and attended the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, according to a press release issued by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing.

Similarly, while in Beijing, PM Dahal held bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and witnessed the signing of multiple MoUs.

He also held a meeting with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, Zhao Leji.

Similarly, Foreign Minister NP Saud said PM Dahal's visit was a complete success both economically and diplomatically.

'The outcome of the 13-point agreement reached between the two countries, including the agreement to open all the previous border crossings would benefit Nepal in the future,' he said.

'This agreement is going to boost the agriculture sector in Nepal by exporting agricultural goods to China and promoting agriculture-based entrepreneurship in Nepal.'

'PM Dahal was given a guard of honour in a formal programme. A joint statement was issued regarding the pivotal matters of mutual interest between the two countries,' he said.

He further said, 'The purpose of PM Dahal's visit to Kailash Mansarovar was to promote Nepal's religious tourism. Likewise, observations were carried out to create feasible conditions for all the Hindu pilgrims across the globe. The northern parts of Nepal are under study to connect the country to Mansarovar through roadway.'

Meanwhile, experts have called PM Dahal's visit not highly beneficial at the national level. They opined that he had just followed the tradition that they had created.

Talking to The Himalayan Times, Executive Director of CNAS, Tribhuvan University, Mrigendra Bahadur Karki said, 'It was a courtesy visit which has stood beneficial to PM Dahal on a personal level and party level rather than national level.'

'China is inclined towards certain projects as per the joint statement issued by the countries, while PM Dahal is hesitant regarding China's interest in the BRI project. Therefore, it was just a follow-up of the tradition we have initiated,' he said.

'However, PM Dahal's visit to India is more beneficial than China because we cracked the biggest power trade deal in the history of Nepal. For the first time, PM Dahal entered a temple there accepting the Nepali culture and visiting Kailash Mansarovar in China was just balancing the diplomatic beam.'

Likewise, former ambassador to Denmark and Executive Chairperson of the Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism Vijay Kant Karn said, 'The visit of PM Dahal to China was not in the favour of Nepal at all and he should answer to the Parliament and the people of Nepal.'

'The joint statement also seems to be prepared by Chinese officials as it doesn't address Nepal's interest at all. There is one clause which explains the party-to-party relations. Why does Nepal need to agree on 'One China' policy and Taiwan?,' he said.

'No mega project has been signed, which depicts the trust deficit. I don't understand why PM Dahal went to China,' he questioned.'

'On the other hand, PM Dahal's visit to India was hugely beneficial for Nepal. It has assured digital and road connectivity. India is also allowing Nepal to export electricity to Bangladesh via India which portrays the trust of India. It also passed a decision to buy 10,000 megawatts of electricity which is going to benefit Nepal enormously,' he added.

Another former ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai said, 'Engagements have been seen from the visit while there is no source of excitement.'

'It would improve PM Dahal's party relations. However, a clear trust deficit can be seen. In terms of style, the visit was richer but in terms of substance it was poor and we have only followed our old tradition of visiting neighbours,' he added.

A version of this article appears in the print on October 1, 2023, of The Himalayan Times