Nepal PM meets Chinese Prez, requests Beijing to build rail lines

Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who is presently in Beijing on an official visit, called on Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Both leaders discussed matters related to mutual interests and bilateral cooperation during the meeting, which was held at Beijing-based 'Great Hall of the People', reports The Himalayan Times.

In a bid to shift away from heavy dependence on India, Nepal yesterday signed an agreement with China to use transit facilities for third country trade by using ports of the northern neighbour.

Both countries exchanged views on consolidating the bilateral relations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting , Oli requested China to build three rail lines, one connecting three of Nepal's most important cities, other crossing the border from China into Nepal and a monorail in Kathmandu.

Hou Yanqi, deputy head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Asia Division, described the rail connectivity as a "longer-term plan".

Oli handed over an invitation letter to Xi Jinping to come to Nepal on behalf of Nepal's President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.