KATHMANDU – The government has said that it is doing its best on its part to ensure smooth operation of trade with China as soon as possible. Accordingly, diplomatic initiatives are being taken with the Chinese side to increase the number of cargo vehicles into the country.
The government has repeatedly urged Beijing to find a speedy solution to the problem, as trade with China has not been able to operate smoothly and the country has suffered financially while exports have been hampered. Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka said that he had requested during telephone talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and other Chinese officials and the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal for effective operation of the trade gateway.
Speaking at a press conference organized today for the first time since his assumption of office six months ago, Minister Khadka expressed confidence that China would accept Nepal’s request and resolve the issue at the trade and transit point.
Stating that there were some problems with major trade ports with China due to the COVID-19 pandemic and China responded positively to solve them, he said, “Direct contacts have been established between the local authorities of the two countries for smooth communication and coordination at the procedural level of import and export.”
Minister Khadka said that he had requested the Chinese side at all high-level meetings to assist in the supply of food in the border areas including Gorkha and to create an environment for Nepali students to return to China. On a different note, he said that the Government of Nepal was committed to resolving all the border issues including that of Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura with India through dialogue and quiet diplomacy as mentioned in the current government’s Minimum Common Program.
Stating that he was committed to taking the close and cooperative relations with India to a new height, Khadka expressed the commitment that Nepal had raised this issue with priority even during the high-level visits and would continue it in the future as well.
Saying the government has initiated the process for the appointment of ambassadors, while ambassadors have already been appointed to the United Kingdom and the USA, he said other countries would get ambassador soon. Foreign Minister Khadka also clarified that he was committed towards the Ministry’s policy to appoint at least fifty per cent ambassadors from foreign affairs service.
He further said that the government has failed to recommend for the appointment of ambassadors at the same time due to general convention of ruling coalition partners and other reasons. Minister Khadka assured of not making any further delay in recommendation for the appointment of ambassadors.
Reminding that Nepal urged to seek the solution of Ukarne crisis through dialogue and diplomacy and as well as asked all sides to adopt maximum restraint, the Foreign Minister protested against the use of force against sovereign country under any circumstances.He reiterated Nepal’s stance of seeking peaceful solution of the dispute through diplomacy and dialogue.
Sharing that 533 Nepalis rescued from Ukraine had reached the safer destinations, Foreign Minister Khadka mentioned that the Nepali Embassies in Moscow and Berlin were mobilized for the same.
