At a time when a section of people in Kathmandu are arguing that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s China visit could be unsuccessful unless and until he signs a fuel purchase deal, officials from both the countries see chances of oil deal between the two countries albeit late.
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Suresh Acharya from the ruling Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Nepal) said Nepal should focus on expanding long-term economic cooperation and connectivity with China.
Chinese leaders will meet Oli to exchange views on bilateral ties and issues of mutual concern, Xinhua news agency quoted Lu as saying.
Accompanied by his wife Radhika Shakya, Oli flew to Beijing via Himalayan Airlines, sparking criticism from some on social media for opting to fly with a new private airlines instead of the national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines. Sources said Oli is seeking to scale up ties with Beijing to reduce landlocked Nepal’s dependence on India.
This is Oli’s second foreign visit after India last month since he became the Prime Minister. During the visit, Oli is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Nepalese Prime Minister’s foreign affairs advisor Gopal Khanal said the two countries are considering a transit and trade agreement that would allow Nepal – whose only sea access is now through Kolkata – the use of China’s ports for third-country trade. The Nepalese PM is expected to finalise agreements on importing fuel and gas, besides transit and transportation deals to facilitate entry of Chinese goods into landlocked Nepal. On Monday, the Nepalese premier will attend the welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People and hold bilateral talks with Li. “China and Nepal will ultimately engage in fuel trade”.
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Oli is scheduled to address the Boao Forum for Asia on the theme “Asia’s New Furure: New Dynamics, New Vision” at Boao, Hinnan province of China, on March 24.
