Kathmandu, November 21
If the ruling parties—Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML—fail to reach a consensus on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba’s planned direct travel from Japan to China on November 29 may be altered.
According to the initial plan, Minister Deuba was set to fly directly from Japan to Beijing on November 29 after concluding her medical visit. She is scheduled to leave for Japan on November 25, with medical appointments arranged for November 26 and 27.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to visit China on December 2.
The UML has expressed support for implementing the BRI, while the NC has maintained that Nepal should only accept grants or aid under the initiative, rejecting any provisions involving loans. The two parties have yet to reach an agreement.
“The decision on whether the Foreign Minister will travel directly from Japan or return to Nepal depends on the discussions between Congress and UML,” a Foreign Ministry source said. “If prior preparations are necessary, she will proceed directly; otherwise, she will return to Nepal and travel to China with the Prime Minister.”
