Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s five-day official visit to China has significantly contributed to enhancing Nepal’s prestige in the international community, said Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. Speaking at a press conference at Tribhuvan International Airport on Oli’s return Wednesday night, Rai highlighted the diplomatic and strategic importance of the trip.

Participation in SCO Summit

Oli traveled to China on Bhadra 14, leading a 23-member delegation at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. Secretary Rai said the primary objective of the visit was to strengthen Nepal’s role in the SCO and advance national interests.

Lipulekh Dispute Raised with Xi

In his meeting with President Xi, Oli strongly objected to the recent India-China agreement on border trade through Lipulekh Pass without Nepal’s consent. He asserted that Lipulekh lies within Nepali territory and urged China not to implement the deal. Rai emphasized that Oli’s statement made Nepal’s position clear at the highest level.

Meetings with World Leaders

Besides talks with Xi and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Oli held separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who invited him to Moscow, while Oli extended an invitation for Putin to visit Nepal. Oli also interacted with leaders from Maldives, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Push for Nepal’s SCO Membership

Addressing the SCO Summit, Oli called for Nepal’s full membership in the organization and expressed confidence that key projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would move forward soon. He thanked China for its continued support in Nepal’s development.

Victory Day Celebrations in Beijing

During the visit, Oli attended the 80th Victory Day celebrations and a military parade commemorating the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing.

Strengthened Bilateral Relations

According to Rai, the visit has strengthened Nepal-China relations, elevated Nepal’s diplomatic profile, and increased the prospects of full SCO membership.

Oli was accompanied by his wife Radhika Shakya, Education Minister Raghuji Pant, Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, Nepali Congress leader Purna Bahadur Khadka, and other high-ranking officials.