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Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Alice P. Albright, who arrived in Kathmandu along with her team on Sunday evening, is scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal today.

The Albright-led American delegation arrived in Kathmandu, a month after the formal beginning of the MCC Compact implementation.

The MCC compact implementation formally began on August 30.

The Albright-led delegation landed in Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu via Qatar on Sunday.

During her stay in Nepal, Albright is scheduled to inquire about the progress and problems in MCC and also observe some areas of the MCC project.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) to withdraw its latest decision of hiking the price of petroleum products.

Talking to mediapersons after the meeting of the Council of Ministers today, Minister for Communications and Information Technology and government spokesperson Rekha Sharma said the Prime Minister has already directed the NOC to take back the price hike.

"The Prime Minister has directed the Nepal Oil Corporation to withdraw its decision of raising the price of petroleum products effective from today itself. Although the Corporation has adopted the automated pricing system, the PM issued this directive keeping in mind the problems this (the decision to hike price) would create to the people during the festival time," she said.

The government spokesperson said that the NOC will issue a notice today itself retaining the earlier price of petroleum products.

NOC on Saturday hiked the price of petrol and diesel by Rs 6 per liter, of kerosene by Rs 2 per liter and aviation fuel (both domestic and international) by Rs 8 per liter.

Similarly, the price of LP Gas was increased by Rs 215 per cylinder.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli held a meeting in Baluwatar on Sunday.

During the meeting, the duo discussed formation of a high-level probe commission to investigate the gold smuggling case.

It has been learnt that the meeting ended on a positive note.

The Prime Minister will be addressing the House of Representatives (HoR) session today and the announcement of the formation of the Commission was likely before the session commences.

It may be noted that the Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) had on July 19 confiscated around 61 kilos of gold that was smuggled into the country via Tribhuvan International Airport.

According to UML whip Mahesh Bartaula, the meeting ended on a positive note and they were close to a consensus regarding the agenda and jurisdiction of the Commission.

Though the ruling and opposition parties earlier agreed to constitute the Commission, consensus on its agenda and jurisdictions was awaited.

The UML continues to obstruct the House following the confiscation of the gold, demanding the formation of a high-level probe commission to deal with the gold scam.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is currently on an official visit to China, held a bilateral meeting with Communist Party of China (CPC) Secretary of the Sichuan Province Wang Xiaohui-led Chinese delegation on Friday.

Communist Party of China (CPC) Secretary of the Sichuan Province

Recalling the high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and the agreements signed between the two countries, Prime Minister Dahal expressed his belief that the visit to Chongqing, Tibet and Sichuan and the meeting with party chiefs will be a new milestone in the implementation of the agreement and the development of a new and high-level relations between the two countries.

On the occasion, Secretary Wang expressed his belief that Dahal is a good friend of China and that Nepal-China relations will be developed on a new basis.

Wang said that they are committed to implement the agreements signed between Nepal and China.

Prime Minister Dahal-led delegation is scheduled to return home from Chengdu on Saturday.

Nearly six months after coming to power, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal embarked on his first diplomatic tour in May, with New Delhi as his inaugural stop. 

In July, Dahal visited Italy to attend the United Nations Food Summit, and in the second week of this month, Dahal flew to New York to participate in the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations. There, he rubbed shoulders with the giants of global politics, including the likes of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

After attending the UN gathering, he jetted off to Beijing for an official visit to Nepal’s northern neighbor. This visit was a significant milestone for Nepal, marking the continuation of a delicate balancing act—maintaining strong ties with three major global powers: India, China, and the United States.

Remarkably, during his visits to New Delhi and Beijing, Dahal deftly steered clear of contentious issues that had historically strained relationships. Instead, he pivoted towards economic collaboration and development partnerships. In India, topics like the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) report, border disputes and Agnipath Scheme were set aside. Similarly, in Beijing, projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s new map, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilizational Initiative were put on the back burner.

Dahal’s strategic focus on development and cooperation was evident. He sought support from all three global powers to expedite Nepal's transitional justice process—a top priority for his government. The international community, particularly Western nations led by the United States, has been urging Nepal to conclude this process promptly.

At the United Nations General Assembly, Dahal highlighted Nepal's transformation from an era of armed conflict to an inclusive and nationally driven peace process over the past 15 years. He made it abundantly clear that transitional justice was the linchpin of his administration's agenda, appealing to the world for support.

However, India and China have not laid out their positions regarding Nepal’s transitional justice process, though New Delhi briefly raised this issue in the UN Human Rights Council in 2015. International community and the UN are concerned mainly on the issue of serious human rights violations on which they believe there should not be blanket amnesty.

Dahal’s Beijing trip was mainly focused on the development and security fronts. While concrete progress on the Belt and Road Initiative remained elusive, Dahal assured senior Chinese leaders of Nepal’s commitment to their core interests, including acknowledging the One-China principle and firmly opposing Taiwan independence and Tibet independence movement. 

With an ever growing geopolitical tension between China and the Western world, Beijing is more concerned about its security interests in Kathmandu than ever. As security gained prominence, China sought bilateral legal treaties with Nepal, including a Mutual Legal Treaty and Extradition Treaty, although Nepal remained non-committal.

The implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative remained a focal point for Beijing. Despite seven years since the initial agreement, the two countries are still working to finalize its implementation plan, with some provisions, particularly those related to security, causing contention. The Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilizational Initiative (GCI), on which China is seeking Nepal’s endorsement, also remain the topics of debate. However, Nepal showed support for the Global Development Initiative (GDI), as it is implemented through UN agencies and doesn't raise security concerns.

In the realm of energy cooperation, Dahal’s visit to China achieved modest progress. Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in energy, particularly in hydropower development and cross-border transmission lines. They also announced plans to construct a 220 KV cross-border power transmission line.

Before his visit to China, Dahal had expressed a desire to strike a power trade deal, but the necessary infrastructure is yet to be built. Of late, China has been expressing its concerns regarding India’s “monopoly” in Nepal’s hydropower sector, where the interests of India, China, and the United States collide. 

During Dahal’s visit to New Delhi, a significant development unfolded, with the Indian cabinet deciding to purchase 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal, creating opportunities for regional energy trade and development. But India’s policy bars Chinese companies from selling the power in the Indian market. 

In his dealings with the United States, Dahal maintained a cautious approach. He refrained from engaging with the State Partnership Program and Indo-Pacific Strategy, instead focusing on the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement. The MCC, which came into effect in August with a five-year deadline, encountered hurdles, but Dahal was committed to resolving them. The declarative interpretation, a component of the MCC’s parliamentary approval, remains a point of concern.

The United States, on its part, demonstrated a commitment to expanding its engagement with Nepal through increased development assistance. The USAID pledged $2m to support Nepal’s economic stabilization, job creation, investment mobilization, and democratic progress. Earlier USAID had decided to provide a $6.9m budget for the next five years. The new support was announced during the USAID’s Democracy Delivers event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in the presence of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and USAID Administrator Samantha Power.

Strengthening democracy and combating corruption in Nepal were top priorities for the United States, while Dahal’s objective is seeking Washington’s support to conclude Nepal’s transitional justice.

Above all, Dahal’s key diplomatic priority is to maintain cordial relations with New Delhi to secure his political standing. Hence, he approached his visit to Beijing cautiously, not wanting to upset India by signing deals on BRI, energy trade and other issues. Of late, Dahal has also maintained a good relationship with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) to Middle-Income Country (MIC) status is another pressing issue on Nepal's international agenda. Nepal sought support from the international community to finalize its LDC graduation strategy, raising this matter during discussions in Beijing, New Delhi, and the United Nations General Assembly. In his address to the UN assembly Dahal affirmed Nepal's commitment to a smooth, sustainable, and irreversible transition to MIC status by 2026. 

Nepal’s key international agenda

Transitional justice: Government has tabled a bill related to transitional justice and seeking the support of the international community to conclude the process.

PM Dahal is of the view that the new bill addresses the concerns of the victims, strike a right balance between peace, justice and reparation, and to make the transitional justice process broadly owned by the society. Considering the concerns of the international community, PM Dahal has said that there would not be blanket amnesty. 

LDC graduation: Nepal is graduating from LDC status by 2025 and expressing commitment with the international community to make the graduation smooth, sustainable and irreversible. Nepal is in the process of finalizing the smooth transition strategy of graduation. Nepal is seeking international support in this process. 

Climate Change: Climate Change has emerged as one of the major agenda of Nepal’s foreign policy conduct. Addressing the UN assembly, PM said : Climate vulnerable mountainous countries like Nepal have been bearing the severe brunt of climate change. The Himalayas are the source of freshwater for over two billion people. Global warming has induced rapid receding of ice in our Himalayas, Dahal said,  It has not only eroded the health of our mountains but also endangered the lives and livelihoods of millions of people living downstream.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is currently on an official visit to China since September 23, is leaving for Chengdu from Mansarovar in China's Tibet this morning.

PM Dahal is scheduled to take a flight from Ngari Gunsa Airport at Mansarovar to Lhasa Airport at 9:45 am local time and then will fly to Chengdu from Lhasa.

The PM would reach Chengdu at 14:30 local time this afternoon.

In Chengdu, the PM is scheduled to visit the Panda Breeding Centre.

This evening, the PM will meet the Secretary of Communist Party of China (CPC), Sichuan Province Committee, Wang Xiaohui.

Secretary Wang will host a dinner in honor of PM Dahal.

The PM had arrived in Lhasa from Chongqing city on Wednesday and visited Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake on Thursday.

PM Dahal held bilateral meetings with different leaders in Lhasa and also visited Potala Palace and other sites in Lhasa.

The PM is scheduled to return home from Chengdu on Saturday.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said advancing towards social justice, good governance and prosperity by promoting religious tolerance, national unity, social goodwill and emotional bond is the national agenda of the hour.

Extending his best wishes on the occasion of the Indra Jatra festival today, the head of the government expected that the festival would inspire all to achieve the goal of prosperity by further strengthening out the Constitution and promoting national unity, social goodwill and harmony.

Describing Nepal as a multilingual and multicultural nation with diverse and unique natural features, he said,'' Our civilization, religions, culture, festival and lifestyle reflect our rich history."  He reminded that the federal democratic republic enshrined by Nepal's Constitution is the matter of pride for all the Nepali citizens.

Indra Jatra, the festival dedicated to the God Indra, the deity of rain and good harvest, is historically observed by the Newar community particularly in the Kathmandu Valley.

On the occasion of the festival, the Prime Minister wishes peace, prosperity and happiness to the entire Newar community including Nepali sisters and brothers living in the country and abroad.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is currently on an official visit to China since September 23, is scheduled to visit Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake today.

He arrived in Lhasa, Tibet on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister will depart from Lhasa to Mount Kailash from Gonggar Airport on a Tibet Airlines flight.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has reached Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, an autonomous region of China that borders Nepal, today in the course of his official visit to China.

The Prime Minister is presently on an official visit to the northern neighbor beginning on September 23.

He reached Tibet from Chongqing of China at 12:00 noon as per the local time. Upon arrival at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport, the Prime Minister was received by officials of the Tibet government led by its executive Vice President.

In Lhasa, the Prime Minister will attend an interaction to be organized at the Office of Consul General of Nepal. He is scheduled to visit Potala Palace at Tibet and Jokhang Temple today itself.

He is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Wang Junzheng, Secretary of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee.

The Prime Minister's entourage is to stay in Lhasa today.

He is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Narayan Prakash Saud, Minister for Water Supply, Mahindra Ray Yadav, and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, among others.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is leaving for Lhasa of China's autonomous region Tibet today.

Prime Minister Dahal, who is on an official visit to China since last Saturday, is leaving for Lhasa from Ching Chong city this morning.

As per the local time, PM Dahal will reach the Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 12.05 pm.

PM Dahal will attend an interaction scheduled to take place at Lhasa-based Office of Consulate General of Nepal this afternoon.

PM Dahal is also set to visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Tibet.

The Prime Minister is also having a bilateral meeting with Secretary of Communist Party of China Xixhang autonomous regional committee, Wang Junzheng.

The PM entourage comprises Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prasad Saud, Minister for Drinking Water Mahindra Roy Yadav, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala and others.

Earlier, PM Dahal had arrived in Ching Chong city from Beijing on Tuesday.

He held a meeting with Communist Party of China (CPC) central member and also enquired about the initiatives taken by the Ching Chong Metropolis in agriculture sector.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is currently on a week-long visit to China, has skipped the disputed issues between two countries, a similar approach that he adopted when he visited India in May this year. 

Dahal on Monday completed his official engagements in Beijing. He held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his counterpart Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zhao Leji.  

In the meeting with Dahal, according to Xinhua News Agency, Xi said that China and Nepal have set an example of equal treatment and win-win cooperation between big and small countries. The Chinese leader, like always, also raised the issue of China’s concerns in Kathmandu, mainly of security interests.

Due to the fluid domestic political situation in Nepal and growing activities of Western powers, China is more concerned than ever about its security, according to an official. The two sides should always understand and support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, and constantly consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations, Xi told Dahal.

Dahal tried to reassure Nepal's firm adherence to the one-China policy. Both Taiwan and Tibet are inalienable parts of China's territory, and Nepal will not allow any forces to use its territory to undermine China’s sovereignty and security, Xinhua quoted Dahal as saying in the meeting. Another key priority of China was the Belt and Road Initiative, which was prominently figured out in all meetings in Beijing, including with Xi. 

Noting that the two countries have made progress in BRI and the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network has taken shape, according to Chinese media, Xi urged efforts from both sides to promote infrastructure connectivity and expand transit transportation cooperation to help Nepal transform itself from a land-locked country to a land-linked at an early date. 

Dahal appreciated the BRI and expressed keenness to join it, but there was no concrete progress on the matter. Of late, there are confusions about China’s BRI in Nepal. China has listed Pokhara International Airport under the BRI on which Nepal disagrees.  A statement issued by Nepal's Foreign Ministry after Dahal's high-level engagement with Beijing leaders, does not mention anything about BRI. Over the past few months, Nepal has refused to mention BRI in the press statement, without providing any reasons behind it.  But, there is a mention of BRI in the joint press statement. 

A report published in The Global Times on September 24 says: “Nepal is also a beneficiary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), through which Nepal has become a land-linked country from a landlocked one.” 

The Pokhara International Airport, which the Chinese company China CAMC Engineering Co (CAMCE) helped build in Nepal, is a typical example, the report says, the project started in July 2017, and China provided a soft loan to nepal for this project, which not only created a model of development cooperation but also effectively guaranteed the smooth implementation of the project. 

The much-anticipated deal on energy trade between Nepal and China did not materialize during Dahal’s visit. Weeks before his trip, the prime minister had publicly said that he would sign the energy trade deal with China.  Similarly, the two sides had exchanged a draft of the BRI implementation plan, but the issue was skipped, citing the lack of sufficient homework.  Though Nepal is keen on signing the trade agreement with China, experts say, prospects of power trade between the two countries are very slim. 

Over the past few months, there have been talks about China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Civilizational Initiatives (GCI). Though the two sides touched upon these issues in Beijing, there was no concrete outcome.  Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song briefly mentioned those initiatives through his X handle: “ … Dahal said that Nepal supports a series of important concepts and initiatives proposed by President Xi and is willing to work with China to promote the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction.”  

Over the past few years, mainly after Xi Jinping’s Nepal visit in 2019, China has been focusing more on strategic partnership, a term China often uses in bilateral talks with countries from the Global South.  The Chinese Foreign Ministry said China stands ready to work with Nepal to deepen strategic mutual trust, expand practical cooperation and elevate strategic cooperative partnership to a new height through the visit. 

It seems PM Dahal did not raise the map issue with China despite pressure at home. A new map issued by China a few weeks back does not recognize the new map that Nepal’s Parliament had endorsed in 2020. The statement issued by Nepal's ministry does not say anything about the map issue.

Agreements between two countries

·         Cooperating in the field of science, technology and innovation

·         Letter of exchange on human resources

·         Letter of exchange on providing disaster relief to Nepal  

·         Cooperation in the field of agriculture livestock and fisheries

·         Joint technical working group to review Nepal-China payment agreement

·         Export of plant-derived medicinal materials from Nepal to China

·         Cooperation in translation and publication

·         Handover of certificate of the production and living materials for northern hilly region of Nepal

·         Cooperation in digital economy

·         Cooperation on green and low-carbon development

·         Agreement on implementation of Sijali higher secondary school project

PM Dahal says 

• I am confident and optimistic that China-Nepal relations will be further consolidated, which will reach a new height during my tenure.
• Nepal views China’s development trajectory as an opportunity, with the BRI serving as a suitable platform for enhancing trans-Himalayan multidimensional connectivity. 
• This connectivity has great potential for realizing Nepal’s economic goals while acting as a vibrant bridge between the two largest economies in Asia and also between China and South Asia. 
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between China and Nepal, solidifying mutual commitment to the BRI. We are fully prepared to take the maximum benefits from this cooperative framework.
• Nepali people have high expectations for the China-Nepal railway, and they are eager for the railway project to commence as soon as possible
• Nepal's relations with both China and India are guided by principles of good neighborliness, peaceful coexistence, and a non-aligned foreign policy. Nepal deals with China and India independently. 
• Our relationship with one neighbor will not be influenced by our relationship with the other, nor will we seek to play one against the other.
• Both neighbors are close friends and important development partners. We will continue to develop our relationships with both the neighbors on a bilateral basis. 
• If any differences arise with either of them, such issues will be resolved through friendly bilateral negotiations. 
• China’s socialism and Mao’s ideas offer us valuable insights to improve the socio-economic status of the oppressed and economically disadvantaged class of people.
• Our key priorities with China include early and time-bound implementation of previously agreed upon agendas and understandings. At the same time, we want to further boost economic cooperation. 
• Our particular emphasis is to attract more Chinese direct investments in Nepal, promote trans-Himalayan connectivity networks, increase Nepali exports to China, and address Nepal's trade deficit.

An excerpt of Dahal’s interview published in The Global Times

Major points of joint press statement 

Nepal and China have come up with a joint statement after the official talks. Here are the major highlights: 

• The two sides will maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, and expand exchanges and cooperation at all levels between the two countries. 
• The Nepali side reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle. Recognizing that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal Government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, the Nepali side is against “Taiwan independence.” The Nepali side reiterated that Tibet affairs are China’s internal affairs, that it will never allow any separatist activities against China on Nepal’s soil.
• Two sides expressed their commitment to accelerate the consultations to finalize the text on the BRI Implementation Plan at an early date. They expressed readiness to exchange experiences on their development strategies, deepen practical cooperation in such fields as infrastructure connectivity, trade, tourism, production capacity and investment, and further deepen and solidify Belt and Road cooperation to deliver greater benefits to their peoples.
• Both sides agreed to accelerate the feasibility study of the Tokha-Chhare Tunnel project, recognizing that the project will elevate the level of connectivity between the two countries.
• The two sides expressed satisfaction over the progress of the feasibility study of the Jilong/Keyrung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway, and planned to hold the 8th Working Meeting on China-Nepal Railway Cooperation as early as possible. The Chinese side is ready to help Nepal train railway professionals. 
• . The two sides agreed to undertake joint inspection of China-Nepal boundary
• The two sides maintained that law enforcement cooperation is of great significance to the security of the two countries, and agreed to further strengthen information exchange, capacity building and cooperation on training between their law enforcement institutions. The two sides agreed to expedite the ratification of the China-Nepal Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
• The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral mechanisms to uphold the common interest of developing countries. The two sides support the multilateral trading system, and oppose protectionism
• The two sides expressed satisfaction over the outcomes of Prime Minister Prachanda’s visit to China, and agreed that the visit is of great significance to advancing the China-Nepal Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that he has a dream to build a 'digital Nepal' and wanted to work to that end.

The PM, who is currently on an official visit to the People's Republic of China, said this in remarks after making an observation of the Beijing-based digital company, Huawei, today.

"The present world is gradually moving towards the digital form with the growing advancement in science and information technology. We too have a dream of transforming Nepal into a digital Nepal," he said.

PM Dahal invited the Chinese investors to invest in the information technology sector in Nepal as it is still in the infancy in terms of the development of science and technology.

Stating that there are many areas for the Chinese industrialists and businessmen to invest in Nepal and the information technology sector is one among these which is new and profitable, he urged the Chinese investors to put in investment in this sector.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the government will secure the investment of all investors of the world who come to Nepal for investment, while expressing commitment that the Government of Nepal would also create an environment conducive for the investment.

Along with the PM, the members of Nepali delegation accompanying him also visited the company's headquarters today. High officials of the company welcomed the PM and his entourage.

The multi-national company manufactures electronic goods and gadgets like mobile phones, laptop etc.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang held a meeting on Monday.

During the meeting, they will discuss BRI implementation agreement, Nepal-China electricity trade, construction of projects BRI, investment in Nepal, expansion of border connecting roads, technology and construction of industrial parks among others.

There will also be proposals for Hilsa, Araniko Highway, transmission lines, and the agricultural sector in China.

While addressing a program in Beijing on Sunday, Prime Minister Dahal had said that work is being done on the cross-border economic zone, road corridor, rail, transmission lines between Nepal and China.

Prime Minister Dahal said that he had a discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the issue of taking economic cooperation and partnership ahead.

The Prime Minister said that he and Chinese President Xi had a serious discussion on strengthening the cross-border connectivity.

Saying that Nepal has a huge trade deficit with China, Prime Minister Dahal underscored the need to increase the production capacity and improve the physical infrastructure.

Earlier this morning, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Chinese People of Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Liji.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that Nepal is now closer to logically concluding its unique, nationally owned, and home-grown peace process. 

In his address to the General Debate of the 78th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 21, the PM said that completing the remaining task of transitional justice is top on his political agenda. "As the Prime Minister and a co-signatory of the Comprehensive Peace Accord, I have been making serious efforts to bridge the gaps and build consensus among the key stakeholders," the PM said in his address under the theme “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability for All”.

He added that an Amendment Bill related to the transitional justice has been tabled at the Federal Parliament to address the concerns of the victims, strike a right balance between peace, justice and reparation, and to make the transitional justice process broadly owned by our society. "The proposed Bill, evolved through a wider consultative process, takes a victim-centric approach and recognizes reparation as victim’s right," according to the PM.

PM Dahal also stated that there will be no blanket amnesty for the serious violation of human rights adding that the ultimate objective is to establish an enduring peace in the country and foster harmony in society through peace, justice, and reconciliation.

The PM also appealed to the international community for their goodwill and support to the conclusion of the final leg of Nepal's peace process and to duly recognize this rare example of successful conflict transformation.

PM Dahal also shared Nepal's political journey of the past fifteen years saying "we have come a long way. We successfully transitioned through a nationally led peace process. We promulgated a democratic Constitution in 2015 by an elected constituent assembly, which has consolidated the universally recognized values of human rights, participatory democracy, periodic elections, inclusive proportional representation, full press freedom, independent judiciary, and the rule of law".

Likewise, the PM said that the successive two cycles of federal, provincial, and local elections have resulted in increased participation of women, Dalits, youths and under-represented communities at all levels of governance in Nepal. "We have been able to ensure 41 per cent representation of women in local assemblies. A minimum of 33 per cent representation of women is constitutionally guaranteed in the provincial assemblies and federal parliament. We have firmly established that the sovereignty lies in Nepali people, and they are the real source of state power."

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed his confidence that the Federal Civil Service Bill will be passed by the Parliament as early as possible.

Addressing a program organized on the occasion of the 20th Civil Service Day here today, PM Dahal said that the Council of Ministers on last Thursday decided to send the very bill to the Parliament and believed that the Bill would be endorsed by the Parliament through the consensus of the political parties.

Dahal assured that the incumbent government was committed to making the civil administration competitive at national and international level by motivating the entire administration system of the country as well as by making it highly moral, fair, transparent, result-oriented, accountable, clean, competent and technology-friendly.

"The role of civil employees is important in big political changes in the country. The contribution made by the civil administration in difficult circumstances of the country is important. From running State affairs to continuing developmental works and delivering public services to transitional management, the civil administration has played an important role," acknowledged the PM, lauding all the civil employees for this.

Stating that the major task of the incumbent government was to institutionalize political changes and lead the country to the agenda of social justice, good-governance and prosperity, he asserted that incumbent government also had the responsibility and challenges to give the benefit of change in the governance system to the people who struggled for political changes.

He further said, "If only this happens, democracy would be strengthened and the public's trust and confidence towards the State would increase. The civil administration should deliver under the political guidance to achieve long-term goals of social justice, good-governance and prosperity."

The Head of the Government asserted that it was everyone's responsibility to work focusing on the Common Minimum Program, policies and programs of the government as well as the budget of the current fiscal year.

Furthermore, he said that the government, embracing the main essence and sentiments of the constitution, was moving ahead with its focus on the effective implementation of federalism, governance structure and working style, public service delivery and zero tolerance for corruption.

PM Dahal believed that the civil servants would work actively and with determination by word, heart and deed in the campaign of transforming the nation's face infusing new energy in the civil service while tearing apart the sense of despondency among the people.

According to him, the civil administration needed a qualitative change in line with the present political changes and the constitutional provisions while also internalizing the role of the Civil Service Act issued on September 6, 1956, for the transformation of the civil service in tune with the political change.

"For this, policy-level, legal, institutional, structural and practical provisions have to be made for developing a service-oriented, responsible and professional civil service that is fully committed to the federal democratic republic, politically neutral and professionally efficient and highly motivated," the Prime Minister elaborated.

He insisted that the long-awaited Federal Civil Service Act would prove to be a milestone in institutionalization of the administrative federalism, in consolidating the federal democratic republic and its implementation while strengthening the functional interrelation of the administration among the three tiers of government and maintaining the administrative interrelationship amongst the federal, provincial and local level governments.

The Prime Minister reiterated that dutiful and capable employees with integrity who are dedicated to the service and interests of the nation and people and work hard in their work area would be further motivated by pursuing the system of reward and punishment in a concrete manner in future.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chan Song called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday. The Chinese Ambassador had reached Baluwatar to meet the Prime Minister this morning.

At a time when the preparations are going on for the China visit, Ambassador Chan discussed possible agendas after meeting Prime Minister Dahal.

According to a source, the duo held a serious discussion for around one hour about the China visit.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal and Ambassador Chan also discussed the issue about taking the BRI Project ahead.

The Chinese government has lobbied the Nepal government to build three industrial parks under the BRI Project.

All the issues to be raised during the visit have only been discussed, an official at the Prime Minister’s Office said, adding, “The agendas have not been finalized. But there is pressure from China to take the BRI Project ahead.”

Prime Minister Dahal has also expressed his concern with Ambassador Chan over the map made public recently by China, a source said.

China has also included the maps of some neighboring countries in its map made public recently.

But China has included the old map of Nepal while releasing its map.

The Chinese map released on Monday has included Nepal’s old map instead of the pointed spur.

China’s move has been widely criticized in Nepal.

While amending the Constitution on June 13, 2030, the Parliament had allowed to release the pointed spur of Nepal map by including Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh.

All the political parties had become united to amend the Constitution at that time.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah had also canceled his scheduled five-day visit to China saying that the pointed spur map of Nepal was not given the importance.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will leave for China from New York in the United States on September 23.

The Prime Minister is leaving for the United States to take part in the United Nations General Assembly.