Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey returned to Pokhara on Monday after completing a week-long visit to China.
Pandey had left for China on July 22 to participate in a program organized by the People’s Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.
During the visit, Chief Minister Pandey met with Wang Junzheng, the Secretary of the CPC for the Tibet Autonomous Region. According to the Chief Minister’s Press Coordinator, Narahari Sapkota, during the meeting, Pandey proposed cooperation for trade and tourism promotion between the two countries by starting full-fledged operation of the Korala border crossing, which connects Gandaki Province with Tibet.
The Chief Minister also sought China’s support in facilitating the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage for Nepalis and other foreigners via the Tibet border, increasing direct flights from Chinese cities to Kathmandu and Pokhara, and maintaining and expanding relations between Tibet and Gandaki Province in the areas of investment and tourism promotion.
He added that the provincial government was optimistic that the assistance provided by the Tibetan government at various times, the infrastructures built with Chinese government grants and aid, and tourism promotion activities would further strengthen relations with Gandaki Province.
In response, CPC Secretary Junzheng said he is aware of the Gandaki government’s efforts regarding the management of the Korala border crossing. He added that this could be a good opportunity for cooperation and that the Tibetan government is also positive about it.
Junzheng also said that the Tibetan government will always cooperate with the Gandaki Province government and is always positive about possibilities. He stated that the Tibetan government is positive about cooperating in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and industry between the two countries. Recalling his visit to Gandaki Province in November 2023, he stated that continuing the visits from both sides and strengthening relations would facilitate cooperation.
Chief Minister Pandey also met with O Liquan, the Party Secretary of the CPC’s Linzhi City Committee, and Bata, the Mayor of Linzhi City.
