Press Trust of India

Beijing, July 4:

Nepal and China opened talks on the plan to position Nepal as a trade corridor between India and China. The government has, however, made it clear that any specific plans and commitment in this regard will be through tri-lateral talks between Nepal, India and China.

Madhu Raman Acharya, foreign secretary, who is leading a two-member delegation, arrived in Tibetan capital of Lhasa enroute to Beijing yesterday and met senior officials to discuss plans to step up cooperation between the two sides. The talks are being held in Lhasa and Beijing from July 2 to July 8. The two countries will also discuss steps to boost economic cooperation and explore new areas to strengthen ties. On Nepal’s proposal, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said China views positively any move towards mutually beneficial cooperation with the two countries. “We also want to have consultations regarding having a rational and convenient trade and economic arrangement,” Liu said.