‘The First Conference of Nepal-China Political Parties’ Joint Consultation Mechanism on Belt and Road Cooperation for Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network‘ organized by International Department of Communist Party of China (IDCPC) was held on Oct 20, 2020 from Beijing and Kathmandu.
Here we have published the full text of the speech made by chief of the IDCPC, Song Tao.
On behalf of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, I wish to warmly congratulate on the establishment of China-Nepal Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network Political Parties Joint Consultation Mechanism and welcome all delegates to its first conference!
China and Nepal are good neighbors, good friends, and good partners enjoying long-lasting friendship. In October 2019, General Secretary Xi Jinping made a historic visit to Nepal, upgrading bilateral relations to a friendly and cooperative strategic partnership for development and prosperity. Leaders of the two countries reached important consensus on Belt and Road cooperation and on building a trans-Himalayan multi-dimentional connectivity network. Our conference today is aimed at implementing the consensus, building consensus among political parties in Nepal and various communities, so as to usher in steady progress in Belt and Road cooperation and benefit the two countries and two peoples.
We highly appreciate the congratulatory messages from President Bhandari and Prime Minister Oli. I would like to convey the cordial greetings and sound wishes of General Secretary Xi Jinping to President Bhandari and Prime Minister Oli.
In their messages, President Bhandari and Prime Minister Oli expressed the wish to work with China to overcome the impact of COVID-19, accelerate practical BRI cooperation, support the consultations between the political parties of our two countries on practical cooperation and consolidate the political foundation of China-Nepal relations. We highly appreciate that. We believe that with personal care and guidance of our top leaders, a growing relationship between China and Nepal will bring more benefits to the two peoples.
On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries last April, General Secretary Xi Jinping and President Bhandari held a telephone conversation, which pointed out the direction for bilateral relations under new circumstances. In the fight against COVID-19, China has provided much-needed anti-epidemic materials to Nepal through the party, government and non-governmental channels. We also shared our experiences on epidemic prevention and resumption of work with Nepalese friends. Political parties and social organizations also sent us messages of solidarity and support. All this speaks volumes about our profound friendship and has brought our trans-Himalayan friendship to a new height.
COVID-19 is a serious test for mankind. In this inter-connected world, only through cooperation can we tide over the difficulties together. China will continue to provide assistance to Nepal to the best of our ability. We will work with Nepal and other neighboring countries along the path of solidarity and cooperation. Certain Western countries, out of self-interests, have pursued unilateralism and bullying and clamoured for a “new Cold War”, which goes against international justice and the basic norms of international relations, and undermines world peace and global recovery. They have met with universal condemnation. We hope that Nepal will stand on the right side of history, promote global anti-epidemic and health cooperation, oppose cold war mentality and power politics, and contribute to worldwide recovery and the building of a community with a shared future.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
The BRI proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping is an important platform for building a global community. The Governance of China (Volume Three) is a collection of speeches by General Secretary Xi since the 19th National Congress of the CPC, which fully reflects Xi Jinping Thought on Socalism with Chinese Characteristics in the new era. The Chapter on BRI expounds on the guidelines and priorities of BRI cooperation. It is pointed out in the chapter that the BRI will help more countries and regions to integrate in globalization for accelerated development. It is stressed that China will continue to consult with partner countries to facilitate long-term and steady progress.
It is in this spirit that the CPC is ready to work with political parties of Nepal to shoulder the responsibility of political parties, contribute our wisdoms and offer our solutions so that the BRI will better align with the national development plans of our two countries and bring more benefit to our two peoples.
—Strengthen political guidance and build wide consensus. Political parties formulate policies, represent the will of the people and guide public opinion. Inter-party relations provide important guidance for bilateral relations. The CPC and political parties in Nepal enjoy deep mutual trust and close cooperation. We can play the unique role of enhancing political mutual trust, promoting exchanges, deepening friendship among the people, soliciting suggestions of various sectors so as to create favorable conditions for building trust and consensus for Belt and Road cooperation.
—Align development strategies and promote practical cooperation. China is pursuing a development paradigm where the domestic circulation is the mainstay while the domestic and international circulations reinforce each other. Nepal is also working to promote connectivity to transform from a “landlocked country” to a “land-linked country”. Political parties of the two countries can make the full use of inter-party exchanges to align the development strategies of the two countries, enhance cooperation on economic reopening and supply chains, facilitate major infrastructure projects such as railroads and highways, expand cooperation areas to fighting epidemics especially vaccine development, as well as 5G, the digital economy, E-commerce, etc. We should guide our cooperation to favour less development regions and areas related to people’s livelihood. We will work for more visible and early harvest outcomes to build a Silk Road for prosperity and happiness.
—Guide public opinion and shape a favorable media environment. Out of geopolitical calculations and for the purpose of containing China, some external forces have been trying to defame Belt and Road cooperation and undermine China-Nepal cooperation. Some people in Nepal, especially those in local areas, have lack of understanding or even misunderstanding about the BRI, which needs to redressed. We hope that political parties of the two countries will continue to work closely to tell the success stories of Belt and Road cooperation, and to guide social organizations, media outlets, think tanks and important personages to send out the right messages and create a sound environment for Belt and Road cooperation.
—Keep to the right direction and promote regional stability. COVID-19 is still raging around the world. The undercurrents against globalization have intensified with rising protectionism and increasing uncertainties, throwing obstacles on the path of Belt and Road cooperation. Political parties should grasp the underlying trends of peace and development, uphold multilateralism and regional cooperation, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard peace and stability and build a sound atmosphere for Belt and Road cooperation and trans-Himalyanan multi-dimensional network.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
Local cooperation is part and parcel of China-Nepal cooperation. Tibetan Autonomous Region is adjacent to Nepal and enjoy close political, economic, and cultural ties with Nepal. It is an important shareholder in the trans-Himalyanan multi-dimensional network. China supports greater local cooperation between the two countries. We will continue to build bridges for local cooperation through the party channel and contribute to bilateral cooperation in various areas and to our strategic and cooperative partnership.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
As political parties, let’s carry on our traditional friendship, go with the trend of the times, promote Belt and Road cooperation, accelerate the building of a trans-Himalayan connectivity network and create a brighter future for bilateral relations!
Thank you.
