China and Nepal sign 14 infrastructure, connectivity deals

2018-06-22
CGTN

China and Nepal have signed 14 agreements on issues including infrastructure, railway, energy, post-disaster reconstruction and human resources.

It came after bilateral talks between Premier Li Keqiang and his Nepali counterpart Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli on June 21 in Beijing.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on capacity.

Prime Minister Oli began a five-day visit to China on June 19. This is Oli’s first visit to China after his recent re-election. He visited China during his earlier brief tenure as prime minister in 2016.

Oli has voiced interest in China’s proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on many occasions during his last visit. And he inked 10 deals with Beijing, including building a cross-border railway, which Nepal described as a historical agreement.

During the talks on June 21, Premier Li told Oli that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Nepal in infrastructure connectivity, logistics, trade and investment under the BRI.

The remarks were echoed by the Nepali leader. He said he hopes the trip could enhance cross-border railroad connectivity, infrastructure development, trade, investment and tourism under China-proposed Belt and Road framework.