Chinese Minister calls on PM Oli; says visit focused on implementing agreements

Kathmandu / Nov. 29: State Councilor and Defense Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wei Fenghe has said that his short visit to Nepal was intended to help implement the bilateral agreements inked between the Heads of the State and the Heads of the Government of the two countries over different periods of time.

Talking to the media persons at the Tribhuvan International Airport’s VIP Lounge following the welcome to him by Minister for Home Affairs and other high ranking officials today, Wei said that the objective of his one-day visit was to bolster mutual military cooperation and further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

Stating that Nepal and China have strong relations, the visiting Chinese dignitary said that he had arrived in Nepal with a goal to take Nepal-China ties to a newer height. “I am confident that the visit would be result-oriented. My visit to Nepal is slightly delayed by the COVID-19 but it will be special one,” he said.

Wei was welcomed by Minister Thapa, DefenCe Secretary Reshmiraj Pandey, Lieutenant General of Nepali Army Prabhuram Sharma, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi, and Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kali Prasad Pokharel, among others.

The Chinese Defence Minister Wei arrived in Nepal today in a special aircraft leading a 21-member entourage. The entourage comprises high-ranking officials of the People’s Liberation Army.

Wei is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli who also holds the portfolio of Defense Minister.

He is also scheduled to meet Chief of Army Staffs Purna Chandra Thapa.