September 13: China has assured that it will clear all containers bound for Nepal at the earliest before the festive season in Nepal.

China gave such assurance during an official meeting held between Speaker of the House of Representatives Agni Prasad Sapkota and visiting Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China Li Zhanshu held in Kathmandu on Monday afternoon.    

Upon request from Nepal, the Chinese side also assured that it will take necessary measures to address the widening trade gaps between the two countries and encourage its entrepreneurs to invest in Nepal, particularly in areas that support the livelihood of the Nepali people.    
During the talks, the two dignitaries expressed happiness over the excellent state of bilateral relations and cooperation between Nepal and China and held discussions on different matters of mutual interests.

Speaker Sapkota reiterated Nepal’s commitment to One-China Policy and not to allow any activity against China in Nepali territory, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.    
Speaker appreciated the people and Government of the China for their generous support and cooperation to Nepal’s development endeavor and expressed hope for an enhanced level of support from China for post-pandemic recovery and other development priorities of Nepal. He added that the people and Government of Nepal are grateful to the Chinese government for providing Nepal with substantial amount of medical supplies, equipment and COVID-19 vaccines.  

On the occasion, Li expressed China’s continued support to Nepal’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen inter-parliamentary exchanges and cooperation. They also underscored the role of Parliamentary Friendship Group in each other’s parliament in further promoting goodwill and understanding between the two legislatures. Li promised to provide assistance to Nepal’s parliament as per its need and requirement at the institution level. The two leaders also exchanged views on the importance of implementing connectivity infrastructures under the Belt and Road Initiative.    
Following the bilateral talks, Speaker Sapkota and Li signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Inter-parliamentary Cooperation between the two countries. Later in the evening, Speaker Sapkota hosted a dinner in honour of Li Zhanshu and the visiting delegation. -- RSS