KATHMANDU, Sept 24: China's ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Kulman Ghising, who also holds the portfolios of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and of Urban Development.
During the meeting held at Singha Durbar-based Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Chinese ambassador congratulated Ghising on his appointment as the new minister, wishing him a successful term.
The meeting focused on Nepal-China road and electricity connectivity, progress regarding road and power projects contracted by the Chinese construction companies, bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, implementation status of the China-funded projects and the Chinese investment in Nepal, among others.
British Ambassador Fenn pays courtesy call on Minister Ghising
Stating that the Kathmandu-Kodari (Araniko) and Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi roads connecting Nepal and China are important and sensitive, Minister Ghising said they are vulnerable to landslides and other disasters due to their geographical features. He called for Chinese support to restore and strengthen these roadways using Chinese technology to ensure their long-term sustainability.
Similarly, he urged for the prompt commencement of the works along the Kalanki-Basundhara section of the Ring Road funded by China.
Apprising the Chinese envoy that multiple hydropower projects are under-construction along the Arun River Corridor, he urged the Chinese support to build another transnational transmission line in Kimathanka so as to make Nepal's power market further competitive.
Stating that the construction progress of the Kamala-Kanchanpur Road Project contracted by the Chinese company is not satisfactory, he also hoped for the Chinese assistance and facilitation to accelerate the Narayangadh-Butwal and Muglin-Pokhara road sections.
In response, the Chinese ambassador assured of the continuity of China's support to Nepal as in the past with priority. Officials from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present in the meeting.
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