Nepal and China signed a significant nine-point agreement during a high-level meeting between Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday. The discussions, which took place at the State Hall, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in connectivity, industrial and infrastructural development, trade, tourism, and other key sectors.

Krishna Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the meeting also addressed vital areas like medical cooperation, agricultural development, investment, science and technology, sports, disaster management, poverty alleviation, and fostering people-to-people ties. The agreements signed during the visit reflect Nepal’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with China.

Among the agreements was an exchange of letters for constructing the Tokha-Chhahari tunnel road near Kathmandu. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to promote Nepal-China trade, alongside an exchange of certificates marking the completion of the renovation of the historic nine-storey palace at Basantapur in Kathmandu. Additional agreements included a protocol for exporting thermally processed buffalo meat to China and MoUs covering economic and technical assistance, development and construction projects, and Chinese language education. Cooperation between Nepal Television and China Media Group was also formalised, along with an exchange of letters concerning cash aid from China.

Earlier, Oli met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss the broader bilateral agenda. This visit underscores Nepal’s determination to deepen ties with its northern neighbour as it pursues infrastructure and economic development.

Prime Minister Oli’s four-day official visit to China, which began on Sunday, has been marked by notable advancements. The Nepal government had announced accepting grant assistance projects worth USD 20 million proposed by China, including projects valued at 300 million Chinese Yuan (approximately USD 4.13 million).

The agreements are expected to bolster Nepal’s economic growth and connectivity initiatives while further enhancing its trade relations with China. The Tokha-Chhahari tunnel road, for instance, is poised to significantly improve transportation in the Kathmandu Valley. Similarly, the renovation of Basantapur’s nine-storey palace highlights the cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Oli’s visit is his first official trip to China since assuming office for the fourth time. The agreements reached during the visit reflect Nepal’s ongoing efforts to foster regional partnerships and advance its development agenda. The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on December 5.