KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal has stressed the need for greater cooperation between Nepal and China to address the growing climate and disaster risks facing the Himalayan region.
Addressing the third edition of the ‘Kasthamandap Dialogue’ organized by the Foundation for Peace, Development and Socialism in Kathmandu today, Khanal said the Himalayan region is being severely affected by global warming and that regional and international cooperation is essential to mitigate cross-border risks.
“The Bhotekoshi disaster is not merely a national problem for Nepal or a regional issue between Nepal and China; it is a global problem resulting from decades of carbon emissions by industrialized countries,” Khanal said.
He noted that Nepal, despite making a negligible contribution to global warming, is among the countries facing severe consequences of climate change. He emphasized the need for effective exchanges of weather and flood-related information, coordinated disaster preparedness and greater access to international climate finance.
Khanal also underscored the importance of cross-border infrastructure, including railways, roads and communication networks, for Nepal’s economic development and integration. He said improved physical and digital connectivity has contributed to the expansion of trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations between Nepal and China.
“We should give high priority to the Nepal-China Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network and cross-border railway network and advance them under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework,” he said. He added that the growing risk of natural disasters must be taken into account while developing connectivity infrastructure.
The senior leader of the Nepali Communist Party expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for providing technical and humanitarian assistance to Nepal during disasters. Describing China as a reliable friend that stands with Nepal in both prosperity and adversity, he also appreciated China’s continued support for Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Khanal reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the ‘One China’ principle and said Nepali territory would not be allowed to be used for activities against China or its legitimate security interests.
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