Nepal will focus on the issue of connectivity during the two-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in the weekend.
"Different issues have been discussed but the main is connectivity between Nepal and China," CPN Spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha said Thursday afternoon after Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli discussed the agenda with former PMs , foreign ministers and experts earlier on the day.
Shrestha, who is a former foreign minister, revealed that the talks will focus on Kimanthanka-Korala road, Kerung-Kathmandu road and upgradation of the Arniko Highway.
Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali briefed PM Oli about preparations for Xi's visit during the meeting.
Shrestha stated that the two countries will not sign the extradition treaty as has been widely rumored. "The extradition treaty will not be signed now. Discussions are on with even other neighboring countries about the treaty. It will also be discussed with China but it will not be signed during Xi' visit," he claimed.
He conceded that Nepal will discuss the issue of railway with the Chinese delegation but claimed that Nepal has not prioritized the issue for now. "There is no haste for that. Only pre-feasibility study has been done and feasibility study has yet to be done. The government, therefore, does not have the policy of focusing all the investment on that keeping other immediate issues on hold," he stressed.
Xi will arrive in Kathmandu on invitation of President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Saturday and return the next day. He is scheduled to meet President Bhandari who will host a banquet in honor of Xi and the Chinese delegation.
He will also hold official talks with PM Oli. Senior political leaders will also meet Xi who will arrive in Nepal after completing his India visit.
