Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday called on Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari and discussed various matters of bilateral relations.
Wang, who holds the rank of a State Councillor - a high ranking position in the executive organ of the Chinese government, also held separate meetings with two former prime ministers - Chairman of CPN-UML K P Sharma Oli and Chairman of CPN (Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', My Republica newspaper reported.
In his talks with President Bhandari, "various matters of Nepal-China relations were discussed on the occasion," the paper said. During the meeting, various aspects of bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed, officials at the President's Office were quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post newspaper.
"It was a courtesy meeting. Foreign Minister Wang Yi apprised the President of the agreements signed between Nepal and China," said Tika Dhakal, a communication expert of the President.
Bhandari conveyed to Wang that Kathmandu attaches great importance to Nepal-China ties and thanked the Chinese government for its support to Nepal, he said.
"Through the Chinese foreign minister, President Bhandari has sent a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping that our country and Nepali people are thankful for the continuous support of China," Dhakal added.
During the meeting with Wang, CPN-UML leader Oli urged the Chinese government to expedite implementation of the projects related to Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) such as railway, irrigation, education and health.
The Chinese minister responded to the party's call positively and said they were ready to cooperate with Nepal for its development and prosperity, assuring of contribution to undertake BRI-related projects and to regularize them.
In his meeting with Wang, Prachanda also urged China to expeditiously bring into implementation projects related to physical infrastructures agreed earlier under the BRI. His party, which is part of the coalition partner, said that taking forward these projects considered important for Nepal's economic and social development in a timely manner would have a positive impact.