The 16th meeting of the Nepal-China Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism concluded in Kathmandu, where both countries agreed to form a Joint Commission at the Foreign Minister level.
This decision was made during the meeting between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and China.
The existing Nepal-India Ministerial Mechanism served as a model for this new initiative.
Amrit Bahadur Rai, spokesperson for the Nepalese Foreign Ministry, reported that the discussions covered various aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation.
The meeting addressed a wide range of topics, including education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism, financial support, and connectivity.
The Nepali delegation, led by Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, comprised senior officials from various ministries. The Chinese delegation was headed by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong, who arrived in Kathmandu for a three-day official visit.
The meeting reviewed all aspects of Nepal-China bilateral relations, including the progress and implementation of past agreements and MoUs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its commitment to enhancing cooperation in mutually agreed areas to create economic opportunities for mutual benefit.
Foreign Secretary Lamsal expressed gratitude for China’s commitment to development cooperation as Nepal transitions from a Least Developed Country in 2026. Vice Foreign Minister Weidong reiterated China’s appreciation for Nepal’s adherence to the One-China principle.
Discussions also included promoting Nepal’s tourism potential and enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development, connectivity, and agriculture to celebrate 2025 as the Visit Year of Nepal to China. Both sides agreed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China in 2025 with special programs and activities.
Vice Minister Weidong met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and is scheduled to hold separate courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Poudel and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha today, before departing for Beijing.
