Kathmandu: The CPN-UML has stated that the BRI is important to fulfill the aspirations of the Nepalese people for development and prosperity. The political report presented at the eighth meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has mentioned the special importance of the BRI cooperation framework signed between the two countries during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China.

The CPN (UML) believes that it is not in the national interest to unnecessarily politicize and make controversial the issues of any aid project based on its specific political demands or geopolitical interests, rather than on the basis of merit or demerit.

‘The signed BRI cooperation framework is of special importance. It is believed that it will help overcome the difficulties created by Nepal’s landlockedness by supporting connectivity and infrastructure construction, and will help diversify Nepal’s transit facilities, facilitate trade, and increase investment. We lack the resources to fulfill the people’s desire for development and prosperity, to upgrade the developing country through rapid economic development, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and to elevate Nepal to a middle-income country as soon as possible.’

The UML has provided information through the report that the UML and the Congress have reached a common position on the BRI and signed it. The UML claims that the plan of those who want to cultivate instability again by creating divisions in the power partnership on sensitive issues has been thwarted. ‘This agreement is important in itself, but the fact that a common concept has been created between the two main parties of the country on this issue, breaking through all the confusion, misinformation and discomfort, is equally important. It has helped to create a single voice of the entire nation in foreign relations and mobilization of foreign aid and to strengthen the national stance at the negotiating table.’ The political report states, ‘It has also thwarted the plans of those who want to cultivate instability again by creating divisions in power cooperation on sensitive issues.’

UML Chairman Oli, who is also the Prime Minister, has mentioned in the report that he wants to develop reliable relations and economic partnerships with all friendly countries, including neighbors, keeping national interests at the center.

‘The CPN (UML) wants the country’s foreign relations to be mobilized on the basis of a balanced, non-aligned, reliable, sustainable and mutual trust and benefit-based foreign policy. No independent country should be compelled to work for the orders, instructions or interests of others. We want to emphasize the true exercise of independence.’ The political report states, ‘We want to develop trustworthy relations and economic partnerships with all friendly countries, including our neighbors, keeping national interests at the center. Nepal is sensitive to the legitimate interests and concerns of its neighbors, including its friends. Similarly, Nepal wants its neighbors and all friendly countries to be sensitive, cooperative and positive towards Nepal’s national interests, its independent foreign policy, conduct of external relations and sensitivity. ‘Friendship with all, enmity with none’ will remain the basic tenet of Nepal’s external relations as always.’