No project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been able to proceed so far- FM Saud

Kathmandu, July 14: Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud said on Thursday that no project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a regional project promoted by China, has been able to proceed so far.

Stating that although Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, claimed that the Pokhara International Airport was built as a BRI project, FM Saud informed about the lack of process in implementing the initiative.

An agreement on BRI was signed between Nepal and China in 2017. However, no decision has been made on how to move ahead with any of the BRI projects, FM Saud said while addressing the National Assembly session on Thursday.

However, he said that the feasibility studies of the Kerung-Kathmandu railway and cross-border transmission lines are underway.

The two countries have signed an agreement to conduct feasibility for the two project during the visit of  Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in March 2022.

Likewise, in December last year, a team of Chinese experts visited Nepal to conduct the feasibility study and survey of the cross-border railway. Earlier, the Chinese had said that it would pursue ‘high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation’ with Nepal and inject new impetus into the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister informed that the implementation of the BRI with China in 2017 is being discussed.

In another context, Minister Saud said that the process of appointing ambassadors would conclude in the near future.

He said the process of appointing ambassadors in the currently vacant countries had already commenced and is being discussed at the highest political level.

“In terms of ambassador appointments, there is a provision for the government to appoint 50 per cent from within the foreign affairs service and 50 per cent from outside. Deliberations are currently taking place at the highest level regarding the appointment based on the same procedure. I want to provide reassurance that this process will be promptly concluded,” he added.

Currently, seven countries, including New York of USA, Geneva of Switzerland, Canada, France, Thailand, UAE, and Kuwait do not have ambassadors in the permanent missions.

Likewise, he also expressed the government’s unwavering dedication to maintaining a non-aligned foreign policy.

Answering the query of lawmakers whether Nepal had deviated from its non-aligned foreign policy, Minister Saud said the government was committed to maintaining harmonious relationships with all nations and had not undertaken any actions that would compromise those relations.

“The fundamental principles of conducting foreign policy are outlined in the Constitution of Nepal, with non-alignment being a key tenet,” he explained.

Stating that Nepal was actively enhancing and broadening its relationships with neighbouring countries, guided by principles of universal equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefits, he said Nepal’s independent, balanced, fair, and objective approach had garnered credibility and respect on the global stage.

Minister Saud also made a plea for prudence and restraint among the lawmakers while engaging in discussions concerning diplomatic relations with other nations as well as matters pertaining to national defense, security, and the military.

He said Nepali Army was both capable and committed to safeguarding the country and promoting global peace as part of UN missions.

In another context, he said Nepali missions had prioritised providing relief and facilitating assistance to Nepalis facing difficulties overseas.

In response to the questions of the lawmakers regarding the delay in repatriating the dead bodies of Nepalis from abroad, he said Nepali missions had made arrangements to repatriate the bodies to Nepal following the completion of legal procedures in the respective countries.

Likewise, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, Prakash Jwala, has made a commitment to end the practice of conducting development projects during the final months of the fiscal year and discontinuing haphazard bulldozer-driven development.

Answering queries regarding his ministry, Minister Jwala said proper development could be achieved only by putting an end to the prevailing trends of rushed construction and reckless bulldozer-driven development.

In response to concerns regarding the state of highways, including those in Kathmandu, Minister Jwala said that the ministry had issued instructions to relevant agencies to prioritize the repair of potholes.

Furthermore, addressing concerns related to landslides on the Narayanghat-Mugling road section, he expressed his commitment to identifying and implementing short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions.

Meanwhile, Minister for Labour and Social Security Sarat Singh Bhandari said that foreign employment plays a pivotal role in the country’s development, particularly in the present circumstances.

Answering the queries of the parliamentarians regarding his ministry, Minister Bhandari said considering the prevailing conditions, employment situation, economic state, and both national and international economic recession, foreign employment should be regarded as a fundamental element for the country’s development He also acknowledged that Nepalis have been compelled to seek foreign employment.

Minister Bhandari also briefed about the ministry’s efforts to ensure the safe and dignified transportation of workers to their foreign employment destinations.