The visiting head of Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) Publicity Department, Liu Qibao, has urged Nepal to be the part of One Belt One Road initiative undertaken by China.

Speaking at the launch of Nepali translation of “The Governance of China”, a book written by Chinese President Xi Jinping, in Kathmandu on Sunday, Liu said that Nepal should take advantage from the OBOR. 

China has been seeking Nepal’s firm commitment towards the initiative that mostly deals with connectivity, infrastructure, trade, commerce and others.  Nepal has in principle agreed to join the OBOR initiative. 

Liu brought up the issue of OBOR in his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara as well. 

Liu, who arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday leading a high-level delegation of the CCP, is considered a close aide to President Xi.

Soon after his arrival, Liu had paid a courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari. The two discussed matters related to bilateral mutual interests, the President’s Office said in a statement.

Liu is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and senior politicians from other parties on Monday.

He will also attend the inauguration ceremony of the 7th China Festival, which is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, China’s Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.

It is learnt that the high-level Chinese delegation is in Kathmandu as part of an assessment for the possible Nepal visit of President Xi in 2017.

The delegation is also likely to extend an invitation to Prime Minister Dahal for China visit. 

A source close to the prime minister told the Post the issue of President Xi’s Nepal visit as well as Prime Minister Dahal’s China visit will certainly be discussed, besides the matters of bilateral interests and assistance.