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Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song called on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Monday.

The Chinese Ambassador had reached Singha Durbar this afternoon to meet the Home Minister.

Stating that the relations between Nepal and China had always been cordial, Minister Lekhak expressed his confidence that the bilateral relations would be further expanded and strengthened in the coming days.

Minister Lekhak, acknowledging China as an important development partner in the development of infrastructures in Nepal, extended his gratitude towards China for its support in the capacity enhancement of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, Nepal as well as in Nepal's bid for development.

The Minister also reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to One-China Principle and expressed Nepal's commitment towards not allowing any of its land to be used against its neighboring countries, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Similarly, Chinese envoy Song believed that the friendly and diplomatic relations between Nepal and China would be further strengthened in the coming days.

He noted that there were many similarities between Nepal and China including cultural ones, the Ministry said.

On the occasion, he pledged to coordinate efforts with the government of Nepal in border management, combating cross-border crimes and protecting the citizens of both countries.

Furthermore, the Chinese envoy asserted that the government of China would provide the utmost support to Nepal to further strengthen the immigration administration.

Ahead of seeking a vote of confidence, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed Parliament on Sunday, highlighting the government’s key domestic and foreign policy priorities. Breaking from his usual lengthy speeches, Oli focused on the pressing issues facing the nation and called for cooperation among all political parties to overcome the country’s challenges.

Prime Minister Oli began his address by paying respects to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country and expressing high regard for senior leaders like Pushpalal, BP Koirala, Ganeshman Singh, and Madan Bhandari. He extended condolences to the families affected by recent natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, and assured that the government is prioritizing rescue, treatment, and relief operations.

Oli highlighted five key domestic priorities and briefly touched on foreign policy, urging cooperation among all political parties to overcome the country's challenges.

The government’s first priority is to expedite long-delayed development projects. He cited a 123-kilometer road construction project in Kalikot district, which began 16 years ago and has only seen 15 percent progress, as an example of the country’s sluggish development. Noting that national pride projects have also seen minimal progress, advancing just one percent annually, Oli emphasized the need for institutional development, improved evaluation mechanisms, policy reforms, and timely disbursement of funds to contractors to ensure the completion of ongoing projects.

The second priority of the new government, according to Prime Minister Oli, is tackling the growing trade imbalance caused by declining exports. He pledged to develop a comprehensive policy within the next three months to boost exports and manage imports. 

The government’s third priority is to create a favorable investment climate and resolve issues in the agriculture sector. He emphasized the importance of the private sector as a growth engine and outlined plans to generate jobs. Oli said the government will focus on increasing production, industry, and services through extensive investment, regulating cooperatives, and prioritizing state investment in health, education, security, social protection, and large infrastructure projects.

The fourth priority is to ensure balanced and nutritious food for all citizens. Oli announced plans to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve food habits and address poverty. The prime minister promised to set specific targets to enhance nutrition, education, health, and overall well-being, particularly for children.

Tackling corruption is the fifth priority of the new government. To achieve this, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the need for a proper intention rather than a “political stunt” to maintain good governance, stating that the government would initiate investigations into corruption and abuse of power. He highlighted the importance of distinguishing between performing and non-performing employees and holding those accountable who fail to complete their work on time and within budget.

Prime Minister Oli painted a bleak picture of the current state of the economy, noting declines in both imports and exports, reduced revenue collection, low-interest rates, increasing defaulters, stalled development projects, and six million people living below the poverty line.  

Probably for the first time since 1990, the entire country has plunged into pessimism, Oli told Parliament, calling for the need to instill hope among the people by encouraging rapid economic development. To do so, he said the government will focus on sectors such as information technology, tourism, energy, agriculture, forestry, industry, and physical infrastructure as main drivers of economic growth. He added Policies and regulations will be formulated to promote economic growth through these sectors, with support from fiscal and monetary policies.

On foreign policy, Prime Minister Oli emphasized independence, dignity, and development needs. He said that his government believes in a good neighborly relationship and shall act accordingly, while expecting the same from close neighbors. He also pledged to address the genuine concerns of neighboring nations.

Oli also justified the alliance between the two largest parties, citing historical instances of collaboration, such as ending the Rana regime in 1950, overthrowing the Panchayat era in 1990, ending violence in 2006, and promulgating the new constitution in 2014.

Amid concerns over the constitution promulgation, Prime Minister Oli assured that the constitution drafting process would be forward-looking and not undermine previous achievements. He stated that the constitution is a means to development, not an end, and any points hindering development would be amended. He called for national consensus and unity to address political instability, the main obstacle to development.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba informed that all Nepali students in Bangladesh are safe.

She took to social media this morning to share the information about the status of Nepali students and other Nepalis living in Bangladesh.

"The Dhaka-based Nepali Embassy has been regularly in touch with local authorities, college administration and Nepali students regarding their safe stay, security and other assistance as required", the minister said.

The situation evolving due to the recent developments in Bangladesh has affected Nepali students living there, she said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also made proper arrangements for them to stay there safely and return to Nepal if needed. Minister Rana said that the Embassy has been instructed to make necessary coordination for the safety of students living there and facilitate their travel for those who want to return to Nepal.

On Sunday alone, 115 Nepali students had returned home by air and 305 through Kakadbhitta border point. Foreign Ministry officials welcomed 57 Nepali students who returned home on Sunday morning at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

A 'help desk' has been set up at the Ministry and a responsible office has been designated for necessary coordination, the minister further shared. The Nepali Embassy in Dhaka has been keeping regular contact to assist Nepali students after the news of their issues due to the recent developments in Bangladesh.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1,200 students have returned home from Bangladesh till Sunday. The local students in Bangladesh have been protesting against the quota system in employment set by the government.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli secured a vote of confidence in the Parliament on Sunday.

He garnered 188 votes while 74 members voted against him in the House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament. A lawmaker remained neutral.

In the 275-member House of Representatives, 263 lawmakers were present in the meeting today.

Nepali Congress, UML, Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajbadi Party, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, Janamat Party and Democratic Socialist Party among others voted in favor of PM Oli.

CPN (Maoist Center), Rastriya Swatantra Party, CPN (Unified Socialist), Rastriya Swatantra Party and Janamorcha cast their votes against the vote of confidence.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli was appointed as the Prime Minister on July 14.

The newly appointed Prime Minister sought a trust vote at the House of Representatives (HoR) as per the Article 76(4) of the Constitution.

The Constitution of Nepal mandates that the Prime Minister appointed with the support of two or more than two political parties should seek a vote of confidence within 30 days of his/her appointment.