Nepal and China have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing projects under the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMDCN), a Beijing-led idea that the two countries agreed to in April 2018.

According to a statement issued by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Ding Xuexiang, vice premier of the People’s Republic of China, met in Beijing on Thursday and reiterated their commitment to moving forward with network projects.

As a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative, the THMDCN includes a variety of connectivity projects, including ports, roads, trains, aircraft, tunnels, digital connectivity, and links between diverse communities.

According to a statement from the Nepali Embassy in Beijing, the two leaders agreed to move on with network projects like the Kathmandu-Kerung railway, cross-border transmission line, Kimathanka-Hile, and Hilsa-Simikot roads.

They also talked about improving cooperation in infrastructure, tourism, education, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions.

Although the Chinese side has been trying to implement connectivity-related projects using the network, Nepali has long been perplexed.

On his last day in office, former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal agreed to sign the THMDCN memorandum of understanding with China in mid-July, but little movement has been achieved since then.

According to a statement issued by the Nepali embassy, during his meeting with Vice Premier Ding on Thursday, Paudel emphasized the importance of working together to expedite the execution of the agreements reached between the two governments.

Ding praised Nepal and China’s outstanding bilateral relations and underlined the significance of practical collaboration for mutual benefit.

According to officials, he also responded positively to the suggestion for agreement implementation within a time frame.

According to China’s state-owned news agency, Xinhua, China is ready to work with Nepal to deepen exchange and cooperation in various fields, build a high-quality Belt and Road, consolidate popular support for the bilateral friendship, and elevate China-Nepal relations.

According to the Chinese news agency, Paudel said Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China concept, supports China in defending its primary interests, aspires to strengthen governance experience exchange with China, and deepens practical cooperation in various fields.