Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Tuesday in Beijing, where the two nations signed a nine-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade promotion and technical assistance. The signing took place during the ongoing four-day visit of Nepal’s Prime Minister to China.

The agreement covers eight key areas of cooperation, with Nepal also expressing interest in a “No Loan Pact” concerning the projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), signaling mutual understanding between the two countries. The visit marks a significant development in the relationship between Nepal and China, coming seven years after the signing of the BRI framework.

In a statement after the meeting, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of the Nepal-China relationship, highlighting that 2025 would mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He reiterated China’s commitment to advancing the strategic partnership with Nepal, acknowledging the country’s significant role in China’s neighborhood diplomacy.

Earlier, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang welcomed PM Oli at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where the Chinese Liberation Army accorded a ‘guard of honor’ to the visiting leader. PM Oli also held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart to discuss various issues of mutual interest, including trade and infrastructure development.

Prime Minister Oli, accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya and a high-level delegation, laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument in Beijing, commemorating the heroes of the Chinese revolution. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, the chief secretary, and other senior government officials, along with representatives from the private sector and media, are part of the entourage.

The Nepali delegation is set to return to Kathmandu on December 5, wrapping up this high-profile diplomatic visit.