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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.

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the basis for the county's transformation could be prepared only by transforming the Maoist party.

Addressing a program organized by the Valley Special Province Committee of the CPN (Maoist Center) in the Capital on Tuesday, Chairman Dahal said that transformation of the Maoist is a mandatory condition.

"A campaign with a new determination of the country's transformation has been initiated. We will move ahead further accelerating it. Transformation of the CPN (Maoist Center) is mandatory for the same," he said.

Stating that the government has forwarded a campaign of good governance with determination, Chairman Dahal clarified that the campaign would not be stopped. 

"The government will take action against all involved in illegal and criminal activities like fake Bhutanese refugee scam, gold smuggling and corruption. It will not be stopped. We will move ahead with strong determination," Dahal further said.

He pointed out the need of qualitative development for the country's prosperity, stressing the need of changing the model of development.

"The traditional development model cannot guide the country towards the path of prosperity. There is a need for qualitative transformation for the same. We cannot always carry the failed development model with us. We will move ahead with a new economic policy and plan by the time of the next budget," he said.

Moreover, Dahal said that the government has taken various steps in the interest of the country and the people, and the people will soon be able to reap the benefits.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Speaker Devraj Ghimire held a meeting on Friday.

Speaker Ghimire had reached Baluwatar this morning to meet Prime Minister Dahal.

During the meeting, they discussed ending House deadlock and appointing presidents of parliamentary committees among other contemporary political issues, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said.

On the occasion, Speaker Ghimire urged the Prime Minister to hold a serious discussion with the ruling and opposition parties to end the House obstruction.

“As the Speaker I took initiatives responsibly for consensus, but the positive results could not be yielded,” he said.

In response, Prime Minister Dahal said that he is positive towards opening the House.

The Prime Minister said that he would urge the opposition party leaders to end the House obstruction.

Earlier also, Speaker Ghimire had held a discussion with the senior leaders of the three major political parties to end the House impasse.

The UML has been obstructing the House proceedings for the past few days demanding formation of a high-level probe committee to investigate the gold smuggling case.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed the Nepal Police to remain highly alert to potential consequences of natural disasters during rains, enhancing the effectiveness of disaster preparedness mechanisms. 

In a meeting with Inspector General of Nepal Police, Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, today, the Prime Minister directed him to keep the security system fully prepared for undertaking rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts in an effective way whenever it is needed.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was concerned about losses of lives and property caused by recent incidents of flooding and landslides in various parts of the country.

It is noted that monsoon-triggered floods and landslides in the last 24 hours at different parts of the country has resulted in considerable losses with flooding and inundation affecting the Kathmandu Valley.

Normal life in various districts has been affected while landslides block roadways at multiple locations.

Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Nepal Nona Deprez paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Tuesday.

During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar, they discussed the issues of bilateral interest and concern, according to the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

Similarly, discussion was held on the issue of relations between Nepal and EU, the Secretariat said.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will be embarking on a visit to China likely from the third week of September.

In his address to a program organized here today, Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud said that the Prime Minister would be visiting the northern neighbor in the third or the fourth week of September.

The program was held to mark the digitized verification of the police clearance certificate.

 "We are prepared to observe the Prime Minister's visit to China," he said, adding that the present government was committed to promoting cordial relations with neighbors and friendly nations.

Recalling the Prime Minister's visit to India after the formation of the incumbent government, he said the visit was successful and productive. 

He was of the view of observing international relations, centering on the mutual interests of the nation, making sure that it would be for the interest of the nation and the citizens.

"There should be a common understanding among political parties and sides concerned about the nation's foreign policy," the Foreign Minister added.