Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has clarified that no loan agreements will be signed during his upcoming official China visit.
During a discussion with former prime ministers and foriegn ministers on Monday, Oli said that no Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) loan projects were currently under consideration. “We can take loans or grants from any country or institution based on national interest if needed. We should not be swayed by unnecessary rumors suggesting that we are falling into a debt trap,” Oli said. “We have a long and friendly relationship with China. This visit aims to make our bilateral friendship more multidimensional.”
Oli also said Nepali leaders should prioritize national interests, including sovereignty, independence and freedom, during foreign visits.
The Prime Minister also briefed the former prime ministers and foreign ministers that his visit would focus on ensuring the effective implementation of past agreements, expansion of cross-border transmission lines, export of Nepali products to China, and other areas of bilateral cooperation.
Oli is leaving for a three-day China visit on December 2.
Stating that Nepal maintains an equally friendly relationship with India, Oli stressed the need to leverage bilateral friendships for Nepal’s economic development. He also said no one should interpret the choice of which country Nepal’s executive head visits first as a “card” against any nation.
During the discussion, former Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal clarified that when he previously broke tradition by visiting China first, it wasn’t meant to “play the China card” but rather to emphasize that cards shouldn’t be played regarding the country’s political ups and downs. He called for effective implementation of agreements made with China during his tenure as Prime Minister last year.
