KATHMANDU: On Friday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli briefed the House of Representatives on his upcoming five-day visit to China, providing detailed information about the trip while refraining from commenting on the Lipulekh issue.
Addressing the session, Oli said he would lead a Nepalese delegation to China on August 30 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin.
Since 2016, Nepal has been a dialogue partner of the SCO. Oli said the objective of the visit is to enhance Nepal’s participation in the organization, clearly articulate Nepal’s perspectives on regional and international issues, and secure significant benefits to advance national interests.
While discussing the visit, the Prime Minister also informed lawmakers about Nepal’s ongoing efforts to control the cholera outbreak in Birgunj.
Oli confirmed that he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Han Zheng during the visit, along with leaders of other friendly nations. However, he did not reveal the specific issues he plans to raise in these meetings.
The Prime Minister said he would attend the SCO inauguration on September 1 and observe an event on September 3 commemorating China’s victory over fascism and Japan in the global war, attended by representatives from at least 50 countries.
Oli expressed confidence that the visit would enhance Nepal’s international standing. “Our delegation will work in a way that elevates Nepal’s image,” he said.
During the session, Rastriya Prajatantra Party chief whip Gyan Bahadur Shahi and Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Ganesh Parajuli raised questions about the Lipulekh trade route agreement, but the Prime Minister did not respond, instead continuing with his briefing on the trip.
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