Discussions underway for implementation of BRI projects: Saud

KATHMANDU: The government has said that discussions are currently underway regarding the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.

Answering questions raised by parliamentarians on the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the fiscal year 2023/24, in the National Assembly, on Thursday, Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud said discussions are being held between the two countries for the implementation of BRI projects.”

Although the agreement on the BRI was reached in 2017, no decision has been made thus far regarding the modality of moving forward with the projects. Although Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, claimed during the inauguration of Pokhara International Airport on January 1, 2023, that a project under the BRI had been implemented, Minister Saud clarified that no project has been initiated under the BRI so far. He mentioned that the feasibility study of the Kerung-Kathmandu Railway and the Cross-country Power Transmission Line between the two countries is currently being conducted. These projects were signed during the visit of China’s then Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Nepal in March 2022.

Commenting on Nepal’s foreign policy, Minister Saud also said that Nepal’s diplomatic efforts focus on forming an independent opinion on international issues based on merits and demerits. He said the focus is on establishing international relations that are just, fair, responsible, and cooperative.

Responding to a query raised by former foreign minister Bimalaya Paudyal Rai on whether Nepal was deviating from its non-aligned foreign policy, Saud said Nepal has been strengthening and expanding its relations with other countries, including neighboring nations, based on universal equality, mutual respect, and benefit. He claimed that Nepal has gained credibility and respect in the world due to its independent, balanced, impartial, and objective viewpoint.

Minister Saud also briefed the upper house about his participation in the Non-Aligned Movement Summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from July 3-6.

“I expressed the commitment of the Government of Nepal to collaborate further in highlighting the relevance and significance of the Non-Aligned Movement in the changing international scenario, as well as emphasized the solidarity and collaboration of member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement for resolving burning political and economic issues worldwide. Therefore, I would like to clarify that Nepal’s commitment to adopting a non-aligned foreign policy remains consistent,” he added.