Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has stated that discussions on the operational and implementation model of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project are still ongoing, with no final decision yet made. The Minister clarified this while responding to queries from parliamentarians during a meeting of the International Affairs and Tourism Committee of the Federal Parliament.

Parliamentarians inquired about the modality of the Chinese BRI project, specifically whether it would be operated as a grant or a loan. Minister Rana explained, "The Government of Nepal has already signed the 'framework document' for this project. However, no decisions have been made regarding its operation and implementation. We will engage in extensive discussions with all stakeholders, similar to the approach taken with the MCC project, which was endorsed by the parliament after broad consultation."

Dr. Rana emphasized that Nepal's nationalism, national interest, and the interests of Nepali citizens will be at the forefront while framing foreign policy and implementing foreign-assisted projects. She asserted that Nepal's foreign policy will adhere to the principles of Panchasheel (five principles of co-existence) and non-alignment.

Addressing queries about the EPG report, she noted, "The report is to be received with the consent of both countries. We will proceed after identifying where the process has stalled."

Regarding the safety of Nepali students in Bangladesh amidst current developments, the Minister assured that all students were safe. She mentioned that the Ministry had established a Help Desk at the Nepali Embassy in Dhaka to facilitate Nepalis wishing to return home. As of last Tuesday, approximately 1,400 Nepali students had returned from Bangladesh, with those remaining reported to be safe.

Minister Rana proposed developing a dedicated website to secure integrated information about Nepali students studying abroad, which would facilitate embassy rescues during emergencies. She emphasized the need to increase Nepali students' access to embassy and consulate services by restructuring and expanding these structures as necessary.

Additionally, the Foreign Minister highlighted ongoing high-level diplomatic efforts to rescue and repatriate Nepali citizens recruited into the Russian army for the Russia-Ukraine war. She reported that 34 Nepali citizens have been confirmed dead in the war, with DNA test results awaited for 22 others. Six Nepali citizens remain prisoners of war in Ukraine.

Minister Rana also informed about continuous diplomatic efforts to rescue Bipin Joshi, who has been missing in the Israel-Palestine conflict. She provided updates on the implementation of recent agreements made during former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visits to India and China.

In response to lawmakers' requests to fully operate the international airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara, she pledged to assess the situation and take necessary actions.

Lawmakers who posed queries included Madhav Kumar Nepal, Mahantha Thakur, Sunita Baral, Sudan Kirati, Shishir Khanal, Eknath Dhakal, Uday Shumsher Rana, Bhim Prasad Acharya, Prem Suwal, Dr. Dhawal Shumsher Rana, and Damodar Poudel.