 |
|||
|
|||
ZHU RONGJI'S VISIT |
|
|||
|
|||
ZHU RONGJI'S VISIT |
Strengthening Friendship The Chinese premier breaks with protocol to meet with different sections of people By KESHAB POUDEL The full implications of the three-day official visit by Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji remain to be seen, but the arrival of the high-ranking Chinese official at a crucial juncture in Nepal signifies the importance given by China to its small southern neighbour. Amid political uncertainty in Nepal, the Chinese premier conveyed every message diplomatically to Nepalese politicians and government officials.
After the announcement of the date of the Chinese premier's visit, Nepal faced several round of political uncertainty. At one stage, the fate of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was cast into doubt when the Commission of Investigation of Abuse of Authority wrote a letter seeking clarifications on the cabinet's decision to approve foreign exchange for the controversial Lauda Air deal. The opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist and Leninist, along with five other communist parties, have made every effort to destabilize the political process by pressuring Koirala to resign. For a month before Premier Zhu's visit, Koirala was busy in the game of political survival. Because of internal political disturbances, the government suffered a lot. Although Zhu's visit lasted less than 44 hours, its timing bears carries much significance in many areas such as bilateral trade. Unlike previous Chinese leaders visiting Nepal, Zhu met with people of different strata, including members of both houses of parliament and the business community. One of the important aspects of Zhu's visit was that he attended a quiet dinner with constitutional monarch King Birendra, a rare invitation extended by the palace to a visiting head of government. During his meeting with members representing both house of parliament, Premier Zhu held discussions on various matters. Interestingly, Zhu became the first visiting prime minister to hold discussions with legislators in a group. The Chinese premier's meeting with the business community was another significant feature of his visit. Breaking the tradition of making contacts through formal channels, the Chinese decided to go their own way. "This is a major policy shift in Chinese diplomacy in Nepal. Although the Chinese behave in a traditional manner, they have raised their concerns softly with Nepalese officials," said a senior official on condition of anonymity." They also expressed concern over the Free Tibet movement in Nepal and urged the government to curb it." "China will always remain positive about Nepal's development efforts. The age-old ties between the two countries will grow stronger," said the Chinese premier. Zhu expressed these cordial sentiments upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. "I would also reach out extensively to friends from various communities in Nepal and explore new channels of cooperation in various fields," the Chinese premier said in a statement issued upon his arrival. Nepal will have another road link with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China within a few years. After the completion of the 19 km Syaprubeshi-Rasuwa road, Nepal's reliance on the Kodari highway will ease. With this new transport route, trade with China is expected to increase by several folds. Apart from witnessing the signing of five major agreements, the Chinese leader discussed bilateral issues with the heads of the state and the government, politicians and business leaders. The warmth conveyed by the Chinese premier during his visit has added to the cordiality that exists in bilateral ties. |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
