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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has informed the Parliament about the achievements of his recent official visit to the People's Republic of China.

Speaking in a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), the lower house of the Federal Parliament, today, he said important achievements have been made on expanding the area of mutual cooperation through enhanced coordination and collaboration between the two countries.

On the occasion, DPM Shrestha said the visit has contributed to further strengthening the mutual goodwill, respect, and trust between the two countries.

The minister viewed that the historic and friendly relations between the two countries have reached new heights through this visit.

Stating that the trade and transit points with China, namely Rasuwagadhi-Kerung, Tatopani-Jhangu, Yari-Puran and Nechung-Korala have already come into operation before this, he said the Chinese side has expressed its readiness to open 14 traditional trade transits closed after the COVID pandemic.

Minister Shrestha informed that discussions have been held with the Chinese side regarding constituting a joint commission at the foreign ministers' level of both countries in order to hold high-level consultations on the various dimensions of the existing Nepal-China friendly relations. He added that both sides are positive on this. 

According to him, discussions were held during the visit also on implementation of the BRI Implementation Plan giving it the final touch.

During the visit, Minister Shrestha extended an invitation to his counterpart Wang Yi to visit Nepal at his convenient time. "Both parties have agreed for an effective implementation of Nepal-China agreements and to regularize the meetings of existing mechanisms to expedite the pace of cooperation," the Minister said.  According to him, with his visit to the northern neighbor, the mutual relations and respect between Nepal and China have reached a new height.

"The discussions held during the visit were comprehensive and open, focusing on mutual assistance and cooperation," said the minister, expressing hope that the trip contributed to further strengthening the centuries-old, multi-dimensional, and friendly relations between Nepal and China.

He briefed the House that the Chinese side is positive for ensuring trans-border pastureland for the Nepali community residing on the Nepal-China border as per the agreement reached in 2012 and electrification at some Nepali villages there.

Similarly, the Chinese side responded positively to the call of Nepal to resume the Kathmandu-Lhasa direct bus service, facilitating the exports of buff, medicinal herbs, vegetables, and fruits from Nepal to China. During the discussions, Minister Shrestha urged China to establish multi-dimensional labs in certain areas along the Nepal-China border and provide capital and technological assistance to enhance Nepal's agricultural sector productivity.

Both parties have been positive about operating the flights from Kathmandu and Pokhara to various cities in China. Likewise, both parties have expressed interest in expanding transnational roadways, air flight services, and electricity transmission lines to Nepal-China connectivity. Both parties have agreed to come up with agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and infrastructure projects and implement them.

He said he urged the Chinese government and private sector investors for their enthusiastic participation in the Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to take place on April 28-29, for their support to make the Nepal Visit Year 2025, considering investing in Nepal's diverse sectors.

DPM Shrestha had been on a visit to China from March 24 to March 31, at the invitation of Communist Party of China (CPC)'s political bureau central committee member and China's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi.

The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the Charter of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

A meeting of the lower house of the Federal Parliament today passed with majority support for the proposal seeking endorsement of the BIMSTEC Charter, presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha. 

Replying to queries that came up during the discussions on the provisions of the BIMSTEC Charter in the HoR meeting, DPM and Foreign Affairs Minister Shrestha said the government agreed to the ideas put forth by lawmakers regarding the necessity of BIMSTEC and endorsement of its Charter.

Stating that Nepal has been participating and playing a positive role in the multilateral and regional organizations, he reminded of Nepal's involvement in multilateral world bodies like the United Nations Organization as well.

"We have been making efforts towards rendering the regional organizations also effective through our participation. We show our participation and play our role in the forums where we see our nation's interests align," Minister Shrestha reiterated.

Sharing about the reality of not being able to make the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) active, he expressed the commitment to adopting further initiatives to render it more effective.

"BIMSTEC is not the replacement of SAARC and it should not be. Nepal does not agree to the notion of moving ahead BIMSTEC at the cost of SAARC. We are for making the SAARC vibrant and will play an active role for that in the capacity of the SAARC Chair," DPM and Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Informing the House that all the member nations, including Nepal, had signed the BIMSTEC Charter during the Fifth Summit of BIMSTEC held in 2022 in Sri Lanka, he mentioned about the Charter's clear provisions that it will come into force only after its endorsement by parliament. "Information has been received that apart from Nepal six member countries have got the BIMSTEC Charter endorsed from their respective parliaments. There is the provision that the Charter will go into implementation 30 days after its endorsement by Nepal," he said.

Taking part in the discussions on the provisions of the BIMSTEC Charter, lawmaker Dr Swornim Wagle of the Rastriya Swatantra Party hailed the endorsement of the Charter by Nepal's Parliament. He stated that the Preamble, objectives and principles of BIMSTEC were positive, saying there were no provisions in the Charter which undermined Nepal's sovereignty.

"BIMSTEC is awakening only recently with the goal of forging regional collaboration on issues of economic prosperity. If we could take it forward by promoting and prospering it, it is bound to be to the benefit of Nepal," he said.

CPN-UML lawmaker Raghuji Panta said Nepal could reap benefits from BIMSTEC on the technical, educational and research issues.

Stressing on the need of moving ahead keeping the national interest at supreme, he mentioned that the government should pay attention to the benefits Nepal can take from regional organizations.  

Nepali Congress lawmaker Sita Mizar expressed the view that the government should take further efforts to take benefits from BIMSTEC. 

Lawmakers—Bidya Bhattarai, Dipa Sharma, Ishwori Gharti, Sunita Baral, Eknath Dhakal, Manish Jha, Ganesh Parajuli, Sobita Gautam, Pradeep Yadav, Devendra Poudel, Madhav Sapkota, Narayani Sharma, Purna Bahadur Gharti Magar, Abdul Khan, Prem Suwal, Sonu Murmu, Binita Kumari Singh and Damodar Poudel 'Bairagi' had participated in the discussion on the proposal. 

The Article 279 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal has the provision that the ratification of a treaty and agreement to which Nepal is to become a party shall be as provided for in the federal law.

Clause 4 of the Nepal Treaty Act 2027 has the provision that the Government and Council of Ministers has to table the charter at the Federal Parliament for approval. As per the provision, the government tabled the BIMSTEC charter in the parliament for approval.

BIMSTEC was formed in 1997 with an objective making regional coordination on the issues like economic prosperity, social progress, scientific achievement, peace, stability and connectivity. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are members of BIMSTEC. Nepal became a member of BIMSTEC in 2004.

The next meeting of the Parliament will be held at 11 am tomorrow.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha termed his visit to China significant and fruitful.

Speaking at a press conference organized at the Tribhuvan International Airport, he expressed his belief that his visit to the northern neighbor would further strengthen the relationships between the two countries.

He said that both sides have agreed to operate more flights to different cities of China from Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Minister Shrestha further said that this would help expand the trade and people-to-people relations between the two countries and bring more Chinese tourists to Nepal.

He said that a discussion was also held on implementing the BRI projects.

The minister was of the opinion that the Chinese side was positive in providing capital and technology to increase the productivity of Nepal's agriculture sector.

Moreover, Minister Shrestha said that he has urged for more participation of Chinese investors in the Third Nepal Investment Summit to be held in Kathmandu on April 28-29.

At the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister Shrestha left for China on March 25.

During the visit, he held meetings with high-level political leadership, including Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chairperson, Wang Huning, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

Matters related to different dimensions of bilateral relations between Nepal and China were discussed on the occasion.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha also called on Vice Minister of the Communist Party of China's Foreign Department Sun Haiyan. On the occasion, they discussed ways to deepen relations between the CPN (Maoist Centre) and the Communist Party of China.

DPM Shrestha addressed a pre-investment conference organized at the Nepali Embassy in Beijing, calling upon Chinese investors to invest in Nepal.

He also visited the southwestern city of China, Chongqing Municipality. On the occasion, Shrestha and Secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhejiang Committee Yuan Jiajun held a delegation-level meeting. On the occasion, DPM Shrestha said Nepal and China should move forward together in the journey of economic prosperity.

Similarly, DPM Shrestha also held a meeting with Wang Junzheng, party secretary of China's Xizang Autonomous Region. During the meeting, Shrestha said Nepal and China should move forward together in the journey of economic prosperity. Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha met Wang Zhungheng, party secretary of China's Xizang Autonomous Region, and urged him to resolve the problems being faced by the people of the Nepal-China border area.

He visited the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa and directed them to pay attention to economic diplomacy. A delegation headed by DPM Shrestha also visited the Kailash Mansarovar area in Tibet. He also met Sichuan People's Government Governor Huang Xiaoxiang and urged him for Chinese investment in Nepal.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who is on an official visit to China, is returning home today.

During the visit, he held meetings with high-level political leadership, including Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chairperson, Wang Huning, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

Matters related to different dimensions of bilateral relations between Nepal and China were discussed on the occasion.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha also called on Vice Minister of the Communist Party of China's Foreign Department Sun Haiyan. During the meeting, they discussed ways to deepen relations between the CPN (Maoist Centre) and the Communist Party of China.

DPM Shrestha addressed a pre-investment conference organized at the Nepali Embassy in Beijing, calling upon Chinese investors to invest in Nepal.

He also visited the southwestern city of China, Chongqing Municipality. On the occasion, Shrestha and Secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhejiang Committee Yuan Jiajun held a delegation-level meeting. On the occasion, DPM Shrestha said Nepal and China should move forward together in the journey of economic prosperity.

Similarly, DPM Shrestha also held a meeting with Wang Junzheng, party secretary of China's Xizang Autonomous Region. On the occasion, Shrestha said Nepal and China should move forward together in the journey of economic prosperity. Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha met Wang Zhungheng, party secretary of China's Xizang Autonomous Region, and urged him to resolve the problems being faced by the people of the Nepal-China border area.

He visited the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa and directed them to pay attention to economic diplomacy. A delegation headed by DPM Shrestha also visited the Kailash Mansarovar area in Tibet. He also met Sichuan People's Government Governor Huang Xiaoxiang and urged him for Chinese investment in Nepal.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha had left for China on March 25 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who is on an official visit to China, held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Tuesday.

During the meeting, both the leaders assessed the state of bilateral relations and expressed commitment to work together to further elevate the ties between the two countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The two leaders also emphasized on swift implementation of projects.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said Lumbini is the fountain of Buddhism besides being the birthplace of Buddha and there can be no better choice of venue than Lumbini to deliberate on the agenda of peace and prosperity. "The Buddha, Buddhism and Lumbini are integral. Buddhism cannot be differentiated from the Buddha; it cannot be dissociated from Lumbini," He added.

Inaugurating the International Conclave on Global Peace for Prosperity in Lumbini on Thursday, the Deputy Prime Minister said Buddha and Lumbini have spread messages for the establishment of world peace.

Peace, harmony and compassion are the innate attributes that we have inherited from Gautam Buddha and the teachings of Buddha on compassion, kindness and empathy are timeless and continue to be relevant today, the Deputy Prime Minister argued.

He said Lumbini, the revered place, gave birth to the message of peace and the messenger, who dedicated his life in the quest for humanity’s happiness, well-being, and emancipation.

Being hosted jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCCN), the conclave has witnessed participation of ambassadors and representatives from diplomatic missions in Nepal, honorary consul generals, consuls of different countries for Nepal, experts on foreign affairs and heritage, and others.

On the occasion, Shrestha called for world peace saying "The growing inter- and intra-state conflicts continue to dominate the political landscape. Wars, armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalry, and polarization continue to pose threats to global peace and prosperity".

Shrestha said the ongoing conflicts are multiplying the global economic distress and inequalities. "Humanitarian needs are soaring. Climate catastrophes are creating deeper woes for all of us."

In his remarks, Shrestha said Lumbini is the center of attraction for pilgrims, scholars, researchers, and those in search of truth and emancipation and this is a place to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha; and to ponder upon what these teachings mean in today’s troubled world.

The conclave has been organized with the objective of promoting Lumbini, increasing investment in Nepal and enhancing global fraternity. Discussions and presentations on investment opportunities in Nepal and tourism potential will also be made.

The event is being organized to connect Lumbini with nearly one billion Buddhists around the globe and to highlight the cultural and religious importance of Lumbini. The event is also expected to contribute to increasing investment in Nepal.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha said that Russia has agreed in principle to terminate the contracts of the Nepalis serving in the Russian army.

Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives, he, however, said that the modality is yet to be decided for the same.

“The Russian Foreign Ministry has informed that Russia is ready to terminate the contract of the Nepalis who want to come back to Nepal. But its modality is yet to be decided. The Moscow-based Nepali Embassy is constantly following up the issue. Earlier, yesterday, the names and photos of five persons held captive in Ukraine were released. We are making efforts to bring them back to Nepal,” the minister said.

Minister Shrestha said that the Russian government has started a process to compensate and provide insurance coverage to the deceased families.

He said that the amount will be deposited in the account of the Nepali Embassy and distributed to victims' families through consular department.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has viewed sluggishness, unaccountability and impunity are costing dear to governance in the country.

Corruption is a huge challenge before us, DPM Shrestha said, suggesting the home administration to maintain peace and law and order.

Addressing the Lumbini Province level security seminar here today, DPM Shrestha reminded that the government had aimed at building good governance, social justice and prosperity. Crime can be curbed by building peace, he suggested.

The DPM viewed people should ensure an atmosphere conducive for their realization of change. It is equally essential to increase public trust in the current system, he underscored. Entire society needs to build positivity for maintaining good governance.  "The concept of 'citizen first' should be internalized and enforced so that public service delivery can be effective.

According to him, public security and development works should be taken together. Rule of law, protection of human rights, and social stability are the government's priorities, he added.

He directed for the cooperation and collaboration among the province and local governments for good governance, stability and development. DPM Shrestha however said administrative and legal frameworks were yet to be built to enforce federalism in full scale.

He informed that the government was launching special schemes for the poverty-stricken community. He made the participants aware of misuse of social networks intended to disrupt social harmony.

"I direct the subordinates to take immediate action- to the extent of removal from post- against those who work in cahoots with criminals on girl trafficking, financial crimes, internet fraud, among others," DPM Shrestha underlined.

The seminar, to run for two days has witnessed participation of chief district officers and chiefs of security agencies from 12 districts in the province.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has called for collaborative efforts on disaster reduction and local resilience. For this to happen, all three tiers of government could work together, he stressed.

During a program of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) organized at Bhugol Park of Kathmandu on the occasion of the Earthquake Safety Day this morning, the collaboration of KMC with federal and province governments would emerge as a model, which, he argued, could be replicated to other local levels.

He reminded that the constitution has mentioned disaster management as the rights of local governments as well, so all sides' responsibilities are required to tackle the problems on it.  "Federal government is ready to work together with local levels for their capacity building," DPM Shrestha said, adding that the local levels were provided equipment for emergency and rescue operations via the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

According to the DPM, even the volunteers have a significant role in making disaster management effective. So, the volunteers could be brought under a national system.

DPM Shrestha expressed happiness over the KMC's mobilization of volunteers and initiatives taken for necessary training. He lauded the assistance KMC provided in the quake-hit area following the Jajarkot Earthquake. He wished KMC as the leading local level with resources and capacity to continue such works.

The initiatives taken by the KMC could be replicated by others, he suggested.

Moreover, DPM Shrestha commented, "KMC's role on enforcement of building code for earthquake safety and assessment and retrofitting of unsafe structures is a significant job."

On the occasion, Deputy Mayor of KMC, Sunita Dangol, said Nepal must pay heed to building quake resistant structures in view of the earthquake security.

The locally available resources and technology could be used to make infrastructures robust, she viewed, underscoring the need for further collaboration and coordination among three tiers of government.

Earthquake Safety Day is observed every year on Magh 2 of Nepali calendar since 2055BS. The Day commemorates the devastating earthquake that occurred on Magh 2, 1990BS. Huge number of lives and properties perished in the quake that measured 8.4 in Richter scale. It occurred at 2:24pm.

Senior seismologist at the National Seismology and Research Centre, Lok Bijay Adhikari, informed that as many as 8,519 Nepalis had died, while 80,000 houses were destroyed in the 1990 BS earthquake.

Total 207,248 structures perished in the earthquake.

The recent devastative quake Nepal witnessed was the Gorkha Earthquake of Baisakh 12, 2072Bs. It claimed the lives of 8,670 people and destroyed more than 700 thousand houses.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha has pledged to take action against anyone found responsible for the Balkumari incident in Lalitpur that resulted in the deaths of two youths and physical loss on Friday.

In a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, House of Representatives today, the Minister said if anyone is proved guilty in the incident, the government will take actions accordingly.

He apprised the meeting that the government has formed a commission to investigate the incident in accordance with the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 2026 (1969), assuring of impartial and objective investigations.

"The incident is unexpected and regrettable. Anyone found responsible for the incident will be punished. The government is ready and more responsible for not letting such incidents occur," he said.

One million rupees each has been announced for the families of the victims, with efforts underway to provide them additional relief from the EPS Fund and the Foreign Employment Board, according to the Minister who pledges to provide jobs for victim's families as per their competency.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha acknowledged weaknesses in three areas regarding the Balkumari incident that occurred on Friday, resulting in two casualties and physical losses.

During a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee in the House of Representatives today, the Minister said that the initial conclusion on the incident highlighted the EPS Office Chief's role was not positive, the failure of the security officials assigned to the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport in fulfilling their responsibilities, and a weakness on the part of the field commander of the Nepal Police. The individuals responsible have been suspended until the investigation into the matter concludes.

According to the Minister, the Chief District Officer of Lalitpur has been temporarily transferred to the Ministry, and the District Police Chief to the Police Headquarters to facilitate the investigation process. "One million rupees each has been announced for the families of the victims, with efforts underway to provide them additional relief from the EPS Fund and the Foreign Employment Board."

DPM Shrestha said that the Ministry recognized a weakness in the incident, leading to the formation of a probe committee. A circular has been issued, urging the avoidance of resorting to firing to control the situation as much as possible.

Before taking any actions, it is necessary to assess the serious damage to the lives, government, and private property of the citizens, and it is advised to minimize the use of bullets, he stated.

He also informed the meeting that a three-member Commission, chaired by former High Court judge Shekhar Poudel, has been formed to conduct an impartial and objective inquiry into the incident.

Lawmaker Rajendra Rai has demanded resignation of Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

During a meeting of the parliamentary committee called to discuss the death of two youths in police firing on Monday morning, he demanded the resignation of the Home Minister in front of Shrestha.

After Home Minister Shrestha said that a Cabinet meeting held this morning has formed a high-level committee under the headship of former high court judge Shekhar Paudel in accordance with Section 3 (2) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act-1969, Rai said, “The committee cannot investigate the incident until the Home Minister tender his resignation.”

“Why are you suspending the minister’s PSO, DSP and CDO? First, you resign today itself. Do not take action against the employees only,” he said, adding, “The PSO’s duty is to follow the order of the minister. Why are you taking action against him?”

Rai suggested that he resign by organizing a press conference today itself.

Sujan Raut of Dailekh and Birendra Shahi of Achham had died in police firing at Balkumari on Friday.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has briefed the Cabinet meeting today about the health condition of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

In a cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar, Prime Minister Dahal briefed about the health condition of DPM Shrestha, shared Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma. DPM Shrestha is on an official visit to China.

The Deputy Prime Minister suffered a mild heart attack on Wednesday night. He is receiving treatment at Peking Union Medical College in Beijing.

Also the spokesperson of the government, Minister Sharma, said DPM Shrestha is out of danger. "Prime Minister Dahal has been enquiring about Shrestha's health condition with the Nepali Ambassador to China. DPM Shrestha will stay in Beijing for a few days for treatment," said Minister Sharma.

Similarly, the Cabinet has given permission in principle to formulate a draft of the bill designed to make arrangements regarding the National Human Rights Commission.

The meeting also extended best wishes among all Nepalis in the country and abroad on the occasion of national festivals-- Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who is currently on a China visit, suffered a heart attack on Wednesday.

A CPN (Maoist Center) leader said that he has been admitted to a Beijing-based hospital after experiencing heart-related complications.

“He suffered a sudden heart attack on Wednesday. He was rushed to a hospital. Now his condition is normal,” the leader said.

According to a source, Minister Shrestha suffered a mild heart attack.

He reached Beijing on Monday evening to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment, Wang Xiaohong.

China had organized the Belt and Road Forum for the first time in 2017 and second time in 2019.

Tarun Dal cadres have staged a protest against the attack on Joint General Secretary of Nepali Congress Mahendra Yadav on Friday.

Cadres of the youth wing of the Congress staged a demonstration at the Bhrikutimandap-based Exhibition Road this afternoon demanding resignation of Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

The protesters also chanted various slogans against the Home Minister.

Yadav was attacked with a khukuri while he was exiting from the Reporters’ Club on Thursday afternoon.

The NC leader, who sustained injuries on his head, is undergoing treatment at the Trauma Center.

Meanwhile, police have arrested Shyam Bahadur Sapkota of Nuwakot for his alleged involvement in the attack.