August 12: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Narayan Khadka returned home on Thursday after concluding his three-day visit to the People's Republic of China (PRC). During the visit, the two countries reached significant agreements for bilateral cooperation including further extension of assistance in the areas of trade, connectivity, investment, health, tourism, poverty alleviation, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, education and culture, among others, the state-owned national news agency RSS reported.    
Upon his arrival, Minister Khadka organised a press conference at the Tribhuvan International Airport stating that his visit was vital to review the implementation of the agreements signed during the visit of his Chinese counterpart and State Councilor Wang Yi from March 25 to 27. According to the foreign minister, the visit was also fruitful in creating a consensus on additional issues of mutual interest.    
On the occasion, Foreign Minister Khadka said that Nepal-China air service has resumed while the returnee Nepali students who wish to resume their study in China can proceed for visa procedures.    
Likewise, Minister Khadka said he has assured his Chinese counterpart about Nepal's unwavering stance on one-China policy noting that Nepal would not allow the use of its territory for any activity against China.

China's Foreign Minister Wang also reiterated China's continued and unconditional support and solidarity for Nepal's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and assured to provide assistance in Nepal's development efforts as per the priorities of the Government of Nepal.    
“We have given stress for the timely completion of crucial understandings reached during the high-level visits made in the past,” RSS quoted Minister Khadka as saying. “Likewise, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang has assured timely completion of those projects being implemented in Nepal with Chinese assistance.”

According to Minister Khadka, China has agreed to provide 800 million RMB in assistance to Nepal in 2022 while assuring to provide Nepal with chemical fertilizers.

Both sides agreed to establish a joint mechanism for pandemic control at border points, said Minister Khadka. Similarly, after COVID-19 pandemic subsides in Tibet region, Rasuwa-Keyrong and Tatopani-Jhagum border points would be resumed for trade and Hilsa-Pulang border will be opened for one-side trade.    

Upon the request of Nepal, China has agreed to provide assistance for the purchase of essentials on disaster management, mitigation and rescue tools worth 3 million RMB, and medicines and health materials worth 2 million RMB.    

Minister Khadka also informed that he extended gratitude to the Chinese people and government on behalf of the Government of Nepal for providing medical supplies and vaccination against COVID-19 during the pandemic. He shared that the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had expressed commitment for such assistance in the days ahead.    
Moreover, the Chinese government has agreed to provide assistance to set up a laboratory required to produce Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells (CAR T Cells) at Civil Hospital and required technology, equipment and training for the treatment of blood cancer.    

In addition, discussion was held on continuing cooperation and support in the regional and multi-sectoral forums. Nepal and China have been extending cooperation and support in the issues of mutual interest in various international forums including the UN, and G-77+ China.