President Bidya Devi Bhandari has drawn the attention of the visiting Chinese National People’s Congress Speaker Li Zhanshu to the past promises made by China and called on the northern neighbour to make good of them.

During her meeting with the Chinese speaker at Sheetal Niwas, the President said the implementation of the past agreements by China including one on the Belt and Road Initiatives are intrinsically linked to Nepal’s development.

Li arrived in Nepal on Monday leading a 67-member delegation for a four-day visit at the invitation of Speaker Agni Sapkota.

Tika Dhakal, expert advisor on Information and Communication to President Bhandari, quoting the President said, “China is positive about implementing the agreements reached between the two countries.”

During the meeting, Li also reiterated China’s commitment to reopen the Tibet border that remains closed since the start of the Covid pandemic, according to Dhakal.

“The meeting was focussed on issues of bilateral interest. The visiting speaker also lauded President Bhandari for her role in fostering women’s empowerment in Nepal,” Dhakal told the Post. “The world, including China, has a lesson to learn from women’s participation in politics in Nepal.”

On the occasion, President Bhandari thanked China for its continued support to Nepal’s development endeavours, Dhakal said.

On Wednesday morning, Li visited the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and appreciated the ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction projects there.

“After observing the temples and monuments, Li told us he finds many similarities between Nepali and Chinese cultures,” said lawmaker Prem Suwal, who represents Bhaktapur in the lower house.

The visiting Chinese Speaker has already met with the leaders of major political parties and several top government officials.

Li’s visit comes ahead of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China which is set to confirm President Xi Jinping’s appointment as the party general secretary for a record third time. It also comes only two months before Nepal’s own federal and provincial polls.