KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, disclosed in a session of the House of Representatives that China has shown readiness to reopen 14 traditional trade transits that were closed due to the COVID pandemic.

During a meeting of the lower house of the Federal Parliament, DPM Shrestha highlighted the progress made in expanding mutual cooperation between Nepal and China through enhanced coordination and collaboration.

He emphasized that the recent visit has further strengthened mutual goodwill, respect, and trust between the two countries, propelling their historic and friendly relations to new heights.

DPM Shrestha mentioned that discussions were held with the Chinese authorities regarding the establishment of a joint commission at the Foreign Ministers’ level to facilitate high-level consultations on various aspects of the Nepal-China friendly relations. Both sides have shown positivity towards this proposal.

The visit also saw discussions on the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Implementation Plan, with both parties giving it the final touch.

Minister Shrestha extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, to visit Nepal at his convenience, and both parties agreed to effectively implement Nepal-China agreements and regularize meetings of existing mechanisms to expedite cooperation.

The discussions during the visit focused on mutual assistance and cooperation, aiming to strengthen the centuries-old, multi-dimensional, and friendly relations between Nepal and China.

The Chinese side responded positively to various requests, including ensuring trans-border pastureland for Nepali communities residing along the border, resuming the Kathmandu-Lhasa direct bus service, and establishing multi-dimensional labs in certain areas along the Nepal-China border.

Both parties expressed interest in expanding transnational roadways, air flight services, and electricity transmission lines to enhance Nepal-China connectivity. They also agreed to collaborate on agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and infrastructure projects.

DPM Shrestha urged China’s government and private sector investors to actively participate in the upcoming Nepal Investment Summit and support Nepal’s Visit Year 2025 initiative by investing in diverse sectors.

The visit took place from March 24 to March 31, at the invitation of Communist Party of China (CPC)’s political bureau central committee member and China’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi.