MYAGDI: Chinese ambassador to Nepal Kyu Gohong, who had reached Mustang yesterday to hand over funds to Sri Taklung Lower Secondary School in Kunjo VDC, met local leaders of political parties today.

According to Nepali Congress Mustang vice-president Khagendra Tulachan, they dwelt on the issues of opening Mustang-Tibet trade point through Nechung Customs, construction of mini hydro power projects in Upper Mustang and tarring of the Lomangthang-Jomsom section of the road. "We also informed the Chinese envoy about the rampant illegal entry in Nepal from Tibet and the restriction posed on Nepali people on entering Tibet," Tulachan said.

Krishna Prasad Parajuli, UCPN-Maoist Mustang in-charge, said the Chinese envoy was positive about the development projects in the area and was also keen on maintaining harmonious bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Chinese ambassador handed a cheque of Rs 2 million to Gupta Sherchan, president of Taklung Lower Secondary School Management Committee, to rebuild the school buildings and purchase computers and furniture for the school. According to school headmaster Binod Rana, the Chinese envoy had also assured him to provide an addtional sum of Rs 2 million for developing infrastructure of the school.

Chief District Officer Sundarraj Aryal said the Chinese envoy would return to Kathmandu tomorrow concluding the three-day-visit in Mustang.

American envoy to Nepal Nancy J Powell had also visited the area recently to inaugurate a library in Lomangthang that borders China.