China reiterated the idea of linking Nepal, India and China to develop a trans-Himalayan economic corridor through infrastructure projects—or the ‘tri-lateral cooperation’.

Addressing a joint press conference with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday said, Nepal, China and India were ‘natural friends.’

“I believe that China, Nepal and India are natural friends and partners. We are neighbours connected by the same mountains and rivers,” Wang said while pushing the idea of trilateral cooperation that has been under discussion in Kathmandu and Beijing since 2008. “As we say in China, family members and neighbours wish each other well,” he said. “Nepal’s development should be a common understanding between China and India.”

He said China and India would support Nepal on its new development following its successful political transition.

Nepal wants to connect with China and India for its development. Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary from co-operation and development from China and India, Wang said.

Talking about Nepal’s vision of multidimensional cross-Himalaya connectivity network, Wang said that as China and Nepal have signed BRI cooperation. The BRI covers development of ports, railways, highways, the aviation and power sector and communications. If we develop such connectivity networks, there could be a prospect for a trilateral economic corridor.

China has agreed to develop transit points between the two countries, including upgrading two important roads linking Nepal with China: Araniko Highway and Syabrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Highway.

“The bilateral relationship spells new prospects for China-Nepal cooperation while recent political transformation in Nepal too presents new opportunities to the country,” Wang said.

 China is looking forward to an early visit by Prime Minister Oli. “We are ready to facilitate such a visit,” said Wang.  The foreign ministerial meeting also dwelt on cross border economic cooperation zone and prepare for negotiations to support Nepal’s diversification of energy sources.

Gyawali and Wang discussed draft protocols on transit transport agreement and agreed to finalise it early.

Inviting Nepal to participate in the China International Import Export, in Shanghai in November, Wang hoped Nepal would begin economic transformation following the recent political transformation.

Gyawali said he is satisfied with the bilateral talks with Wang. “We held a very fruitful and comprehensive talk covering all the aspects of Nepal-China relationship,” he said.

Replying to the Post’s query on fostering Nepal-China ties further, he said Nepal and China have had trouble-free relations so far and look forward to continue to strengthen them.

“We want to see more high level visits and consolidate our relationship with China,” said Gyawali, adding that Nepal would like to see China’s cooperation with focus on infrastructure sector, energy, agriculture, tourism and people-to-people relations.