Nepal and China have signed a special agreement to strengthen cooperation on ethnic affairs.

Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar, chairman of Nepal’s Indigenous Nationalities Commission, and Fan Yu, China’s minister and chairman of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, signed the memorandum of understanding amid a function in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

“The National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People’s Republic of China and the Indigenous Nationalities Commission of Nepal (hereinafter referred to as the “parties”), with a view to serving the development of China-Nepal Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity, promoting cooperation in the field of ethnic affairs between the parties, have reached the following understandings based on the principle of equality and reciprocity upon friendly consultation,” reads the MoU.

Article 1 of the MoU states that exchanges and cooperation between the two countries on ethnic affairs will serve China-Nepal Strategic Partnership of Cooperation Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity, promote broader cooperation, enhance the wellbeing of the peoples, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

“It’s a simple agreement,” said Thapa. “It’s not about constructing buildings or seeking projects.”

The MoU states that both parties agree to strengthen inter-departmental exchanges and cooperation based on respective national conditions and within the existing legal frameworks of the two countries. It also aims to deepen the exchange of experience in the governance of ethnic affairs, and enhance mutual understanding and friendly relations. The parties have agreed to support the implementation of various forms of exchanges and cooperation in the fields of education, academics, culture, art, and youth in ethnic affairs.

According to Thapa, the MoU aims to expand cultural exchanges between Nepal and China, create opportunities for Nepali students in the higher education sector in China, and allow them to learn about China’s ethnic education system, among other things.

Now, with the signing of the MoU, both sides will arrange delegation visits. The cooperation will include promoting and preserving ethnic cultures, as well as promoting tourism in ethnic areas. Cultural exchange activities such as exhibitions, performances and screenings will be organised in both countries.

Also, the two sides will invite each other to participate in ethnic affairs-themed international conferences, forums, seminars and support educational institutions of the two parties in organising youth, teaching and academic exchange activities, as well as other mutually agreed projects.

“In order to ensure that activities are carried out effectively, the parties shall engage in appropriate communication and negotiation on a case-by-case basis and keep each other informed of the progress of the activities,” reads Article 4 of the MoU.

The relevant costs involved while conducting visits and other exchanges between the two sides as agreed in the MoU shall be agreed by the parties on a case- by-case basis.

The MoU clarifies that it does not constitute a treaty between the two countries and does not create any rights or obligations under international law. Any dispute arising out of the interpretation or execution of the MOU will be resolved by the parties through negotiations.

The MoU enters into force on the date of signature and will remain in force for five years.

Either party may terminate the MoU by giving three months’ written notice to the other party through diplomatic channels, the document signed on Tuesday reads. “The MoU shall be terminated 30 days after the date of receipt of such notice by the other party.”

“Subject to the written consent of the parties, this MoU may be renewed two months prior to the expiration of this MoU,” reads the understanding.