KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that discussion would be held on the issue of economic partnership keeping Nepal's welfare and interest at the centre during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Nepal.

Prime Minister Oli said so after holding discussion with former prime ministers, former ministers for foreign affairs and foreign affairs experts at the PM's official residence at Baluwatar on Thursday in connection with the Chinese President's state visit to Nepal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying a two-day state visit to Nepal at the friendly invitation of President Bidya Devi Bhandari commencing October 12.

Spokesperson of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Narayankaji Shrestha, in the discussion said that Prime Minister Oli expressed his belief that the Chinese President's visit would take relations between Nepal and China to a new height.

On the occasion, the PM said that discussions would also be held regarding the investment model for the construction of Kyirong-Kathmandu railway. He added that discussion would take place with China on the issue of economic partnership keeping Nepal's national interest at the centre.

He said, "We will also hold discussions with China regarding the issue of long-term welfare and necessity. But we also want to give equal importance to the issue of immediate necessity and collaboration." Also, the former minister for Foreign Affairs, Shrestha said that talks will mainly be carried out on the issues of road and connectivity with China, on the issues of upgrading and operation of Kimathanka and Korala checkpoints, construction of Tokha-Chhahare tunnel and upgrading of Araniko Highway.

Likewise, Nepali Congress leader Prakash Sharan Mahat said that they suggested the government to collaborate with China prioritising nation's welfare and necessity. Former minister for foreign affairs Mahat advised the government to not hurry in launching big projects. He said they are always in favour that Chinese investment should be increased and that Nepal should participate in 'Belt and Road Initiatives'. He also urged the government to not create an environment of confusion with regards to the foreign policy of Nepal.

Similarly, Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, on behalf of the government, briefed about preparations made so far for the Chinese President's visit. He expressed his hope that the visit would be historical and successful.

Former prime ministers  — NCP (NCP) Co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, NCP (NCP) leaders Jhalanath Khanal, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Baburam Bhattarai — and former chairperson of the Council of Ministers Khilraj Regmi, among others were present on the occasion.

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