KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has urged the Chinese side to bring in through the strategic development partnership necessary investment in big projects of Nepal’s prioritized sectors.

He made this request during his meeting with the visiting Chairman of the Chinese National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Li Zhanshu, at the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwor, today.

On the occasion, Dahal said that Chinese support is necessary for Nepal’s development and prosperity. He also stressed on the need of creating an environment for the speedy implementation of the projects under taken under projects including BRI, Dahal’s secretariat stated.

The Maoist Centre chairman urged the Chinese side to facilitate in immediately opening the transit points on the Nepal-China border, including the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi checkpoints, so that the China-imported goods can enter Nepal in time as big festivals like Dashain, Tihar and others are approaching in the country.

He also urged China to be benevolent to reducing Nepal’s burgeoning trade deficit with it.

Stating that the relation between the two parties is not only diplomatic but also a sentimental one, Chair Dahal said, “We wish for the success of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Let the Congress be successful in building socialism with Chinese characteristics and in developing fraternity throughout the world under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping.”

Former Prime Minister Dahal said that Nepal is steadfast on the ‘One China’ policy and was also aware not to let its territory to be used against any neighbor.

Chairman Li, on behalf of the Chinese side, described Nepal as China’s ‘good friend’ and said China always respects Nepal’s national sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. He thanked Nepal for always being positive towards the One China Policy and China’s security concerns.

Stating that China is with Nepal in its development and prosperity journey at all times, Li said he would take initiatives for reducing the Nepal-China trade deficit and for opening the border transit points.

Along with party chairperson Dahal, the party senior vice-chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha, vice-chairman Krishna Bahadur Mahara, general-secretary Dev Prasad Gurung, deputy general secretaries Pampha Bhusal and Shakti Bahadur Basnet, and leaders Ram Karki and Ramesh Malla were present in the meeting on behalf of the Maoist Centre.

Before this, Li and his delegation held talks with CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli today.

Chairman Li arrived here on Monday for a four-day official visit at the invitation of Speaker of the House of Representatives Agni Prasad Sapkota. Speaker Sapkota and the Chinese dignitary held delegation-level talks at the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwor the same day.

They also signed a letter of agreement on exchange of cooperation on the occasion.

Chairman Li will pay a courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari on September 14.

The Chinese delegation will make an observation visit to the Bhaktapur Durbar area to see the structures reconstructed after the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake.

Li’s delegation comprises of 67 persons including six high-ranking officers, security personnel, journalists and other staff.

CPC Chairperson Li and his delegation will return home on September 15 on a special flight.