Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Implementation Plan was in the final stage.

Speaking at a seminar organized by the Embassy of China in Kathmandu on Sunday, the Deputy Prime Minister said, "Nepal is ready to sign it at a mutually convenient time. I am confident that the implementation of this plan will bring visible results on the ground."

The seminar on "Review of the Friendship since the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Nepal and China, and Moving Forward Together for a Better Future" witnessed the participation from all major political parties, scholars and professionals as well as the chiefs and representatives from the friendship organizations.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha also shared that Nepal has decided to join the Group of Friends of Global Development Initiatives (GDI), which was put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping and formed at the United Nations to engage further in common development endeavours, including the fight against climate change impacts.

Likewise, Shrestha added that Nepal-China ties is built on commonalities of culture, and geography, as well as people-to-people relations.

"Over the years, we have built strong relations based on mutual respect, trust, goodwill, and understanding. Our relations are founded solidly on the bedrock of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence called Panchsheel, age-old legacy of friendship, close and good neighbourliness, mutual cooperation and understanding, appreciation of each other’s sensitivities, and trusted partnership," said Shrestha.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Nepal and China have discussed some key issues including enhancing support for socio-economic development and prosperity of Nepal, agriculture, connectivity, infrastructure, trade and investment, education, technology and innovation, sustainable development, and people-to-people relations.

He also shared that discussions were held with the Chinese side on matters relating to the opening of 14 traditional border trading points between Nepal and China, swift implementation of the ongoing development projects in Nepal, and further activating the established bilateral mechanisms.

Nepal is committed to widening and deepening its cooperation with China in vital sectors such as connectivity, infrastructure development, agriculture, trade, tourism, investment, ICT, and people-to-people relations, among others, he added.

On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song shared that the two countries have respected each other's interests and developed confidence.

Ambassador Chen made commitment to China's support to Nepal's development endeavors.