Published 18:39 IST, October 9th 2019
Nepal and China to sign numerous bilateral agreements and MoU
President Xi is scheduled to meet the Nepal President during his official trip to Kathmandu where he is expected to sign numerous bilateral agreements and MoU
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet the Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari during his official trip to Kathmandu from October 12 to 13. The meet is considered to be significant as Nepal and China are expected to sign a number of bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). 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-Nepal agreements
People's Republic for 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. The Sino Hydro, a Chinese company is working in the Tamakoshi Hydroelectricity Project with a capacity of generating a total of 456 megawatts power. The Chinese contractors are further working in the construction of transmission lines of strategic significance. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Barsha Man Pun reportedly claims that the investors have been urged to invest in the energy sector in Nepal.
China and 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 Indian-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.
(Inputs from agencies)
18:18 IST, October 9th 2019