KATHMANDU: There will be no fresh loan deals during Prime Minister KP Oli's forthcoming official visit to China, which starts on December 2. This was said when he met with foreign ministers and previous prime ministers to talk about the purpose of the trip.
Oli pointed out that borrowing from China is not a controversial topic and that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) should not be mistaken for a loan scheme. He underlined that any future borrowing from China or any other nation or organization will be determined by Nepal's national interest.
Oli clarified that, based on national interests, Nepal can secure loans or grants from any country or organization when necessary. He also dismissed concerns about Nepal accumulating debt through loans, calling them baseless.
The positive and long-standing friendship between China and Nepal was reiterated by him. “We have an established and friendly relationship with China,” Oli said. This visit is intended to deepen our two nations' friendship.
The Prime Minister also underlined his cordial ties with India, saying that Nepal's economic progress will be greatly enhanced by making use of these ties. Nepal values its relationships with both of its neighbors, he emphasized.
Regardless matter which nation is visited first, Oli emphasized that Nepal's sovereignty, independence, and freedom will always come first. "Regardless of which country we visit first, we will prioritize our nation's sovereignty, independence, and freedom as well as our international interests," he said.
“There is no need for uncertainty or conflicts over this trip, particularly in regard to internal political discussions between the Nepali Congress and the UML,” the prime minister said, assuring that his journey to China would be fruitful.
He emphasized that the visit's primary goals will be to further Nepal's interests and global peace, and he rejected any attempts to politicize the trip or turn it into a weapon against any country.
Oli mentioned that efforts have been made to effectively implement previous agreements, especially regarding the development of transmission lines, boosting Nepali exports to China, and exploring new opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
He emphasized that the interests of the nation will determine the course of the visit and encouraged that it be viewed as a chance to support Nepal's needs and strategic choices rather than as a political scheme.
