Nepal PM meets experts, former PMs before Xi Jinping's visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet the Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari from October 12 to 13. Before President Jinping's official visit, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reportedly held discussions regarding different aspects of the bilateral ties with former Prime Ministers and foreign affairs experts. Rajan Bhattarai, who is Nepal's Foreign Affairs advisor, said that the meeting with the Chinese President would further harmonize bilateral relations between “people to people level”. The meet is considered significant as Nepal and China are expected to sign a number of bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs). 

READ: Nepal And China To Sign Numerous Bilateral Agreements And MoU

China-Nepal agreements

President Xi will also meet with the Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and hold a delegation-level official talk. The visit is believed to pave the way for enhancing cultural, economic and trade relations between both the countries. China and Nepal have signed important agreements for economic development earlier. When PM Oli visited China back in 2018, the two countries reached an understanding to collaborate in the energy sector and set an objective for the Nepal government to produce 15,000 megawatts power in ten years. The Chinese investors and construction companies are also reportedly working in more than two dozen transmission lines and hydroelectricity projects in Nepal.

READ: Nepal's Ex-Speaker KB Mahara Arrested In Sexual Harassment Case

China-India

President Xi is expected to hold an informal summit with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mahabalipuram from October 11 to 12. The two leaders are expected to continue their discussions on overreaching issues of bilateral, regional and global importance. As India and Chinese ties have come under strain after India's announcement regarding the Jammu and Kashmir special status, the summit is likely to focus on steps that ensure mutual development and expansion of overall ties. Both the leaders will further focus on how to maintain peace and tranquillity on the India-China border. Issues like terrorism, terror funding, support, and sourcing are also expected to come up. The two leaders are expected to decide dates for the next Special Representatives talks as well. 

(With inputs from ANI)

READ: Former Nepal Speaker Arrested Over Attempt To Rape Charge

READ: Nepal Government Being Urged By HRW To Release Full Report On Terai