PM Oli Assures No Loan Agreements Will Be Signed During China Visit
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has assured that no loan agreements will be signed during his official visit to China, set to begin on December 2. During a discussion at the Office of the Prime Minister with former leaders and foreign ministry officials, he dismissed concerns about potential loans, stating that no projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) involve loans at this time. Oli emphasized that any loans or grants taken in the future would prioritize Nepal’s national interests and reiterated that rumors about indebting the country are unfounded. Oli also highlighted that the visit aims to strengthen Nepal-China relations, focusing on the implementation of previous agreements, transmission line expansions, and boosting exports to China. He reaffirmed that Nepal’s sovereignty and independence remain the country’s priority, irrespective of the destination of official visits. Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ stated that his earlier visit to China was to strengthen ties and not to suggest any political motives. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba added that the ruling parties are finalizing the agenda for the visit, with no disputes between them over the trip. The discussion included key political figures, though Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba was absent due to travel outside Kathmandu Valley.
