Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has commenced a five-day official visit to China, with all eyes focused on potential agreements to be signed during his stay in Beijing. Oli, leading a delegation of over 87 members, departed for the Chinese capital amidst an intriguing silence from Beijing regarding Nepal's revised proposal for a BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) pact.
Prior to his departure, Oli engaged in discussions with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and senior party officials concerning the newly drafted "BRI framework for cooperation." This proposal, developed by a four-member joint taskforce formed by both parties, replaces the previous "BRI implementation plan" and was approved by the two senior leaders last week. The foreign ministry promptly sent the revised text to the Chinese Embassy on Saturday for Beijing's consideration.
Oli's visit, scheduled from December 2nd to 5th, follows an invitation from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. During his four-day stay, Oli is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and hold bilateral talks with Premier Li Keqiang. He will also engage with senior leaders of the Chinese Communist Party, deliver a keynote address at Peking University, and further solidify ties between the two nations.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, confirmed the details of Oli's visit, stating that "Nepal’s Prime Minister Oli will pay an official visit to China from December 2 to 5 at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council." She outlined the composition of Oli's entourage, which includes prominent figures such as Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister; Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Economic and Development Advisor to the Prime Minister; Members of Parliament; high-ranking government officials; representatives from the private sector; and media personnel.
This marks Oli's first official visit to a foreign nation since assuming power in July of this year. The trip holds significant diplomatic weight and is anticipated to yield crucial agreements between Nepal and China, particularly in light of Nepal's revised proposal for the BRI pact.
