BRI framework agreement for grant: Foreign Minister Dr Rana; Efforts underway for Bipin’s release

Kathmandu / Jan 13: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, has reiterated that the recently inked framework agreement on BRI is one based on grant assistance.

Responding to the queries of the lawmakers at the meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives (HoR), the foreign minister made it clear that there has been no agreement about loans with China in the recent official visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

She even said that China expressed readiness to provide aid and grants after she made it clear to them that Nepal’s GDP was very low for debt servicing.

Foreign Minister Dr Rana clarified that all the projects under the BRI will be implemented under the aid financing modality.

“I shared with my Chinese counterpart that we are not in a position to take loans of any kind at present due to the constraints of our GDP. And without any hesitation, I also said that we expect only aid and grants from China,” she said, adding, “We need to be frank about our position and I did the same. And whatever projects we have included in the framework agreement will be executed with the grants.”

The foreign minister spoke about the achievements made during the recent visit of Prime Minister Oli highlighting on the BRI framework agreement that included nine different projects and the MoU on promoting bilateral trade between Nepal and China.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Dr Rana viewed that both China and India have accorded due importance and priority in their relations with Nepal.

Maximum initiatives for Bipin Joshi’s release

According to RSS, the meeting was informed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken maximum initiatives for the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepalese student, who is believed to be held captive by Hamas.

She informed that just a few days ago, she met with ambassadors of Israel, Egypt and Qatar, requesting their assistance in Joshi’s release.

She also mentioned her ongoing efforts to talk to the Foreign Minister of Qatar, who is said to be mediating with Hamas for the release of captives, requesting his assistance.

The request follows reports that Hamas is releasing 34 captives, including women, children and the elderly. It is reported that the Palestinian militant group is requested to prioritise captives, particularly the elderly, women and children, and those in critical health conditions in the first phase.

Mentioning recent reports confirming Joshi’s survival, which gives hope for his safe return, Dr Rana said that she has extensively lobbied with national and regional forums, including the United Nations, and through bilateral meetings for his safe release.

Revival of SAARC

On reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Dr Rana seeks the consent of all member states.

“SAARC cannot be made active just because we want it. The SAARC charter itself states that its summit can only be held with the consent of the heads of state and governments of all member states. SAARC has yet to get momentum because all member states are not ready. However, Nepal is continuing its initiatives and efforts as the chair.”

She also highlighted her efforts in initiating a meeting of SAARC foreign ministers during the UN General Assembly.

Change in ministry’s structure based on O&M survey

Dr Rana informed that the ministry has conducted an organisation and management (O&M) survey, focusing on expanding diplomatic missions to better serve the Nepali diaspora.

She said an action plan will be made for changes in the ministry’s branches and a division established for economic diplomacy with inter-ministry collaboration. She also emphasised ongoing efforts to enhance passport services with new tenders improving procedural efficiency despite complexities.