Minister Lamsal and Ambassador Wang Discuss Reopening Rasuwagadhi Border Point and Chinese Cooperation
Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wang Maoming held a meeting at Singha Durbar on Friday. The meeting focused on Chinese cooperation for the reconstruction of flood-damaged infrastructure, the reopening of the Rasuwagadhi Kerung border point, and the effective operation of the Korala and Tatopani border points.
Kathmandu — Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wang Maoming held a meeting at Singha Durbar on Friday. The meeting focused on bilateral infrastructure cooperation, border point operations, and matters of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Minister Lamsal requested necessary support from the Chinese government on several issues, including the reconstruction and development of flood-damaged infrastructure in Rasuwa, the reopening of the Rasuwagadhi Kerung border point, maintaining contact between the state and approximately 600,000 Nepali citizens and facilitating their movement, and the effective operation of the Korala and Tatopani border points.
Noting that the Rasuwagadhi border point — Nepal's major trade gateway — was closed due to flooding in the Bhote Koshi river, Minister Lamsal informed that the Nepal government is working day and night to provide relief to local citizens by arranging a temporary road and transportation from the old location for the time being. He stated that Chinese government support is essential to immediately bring the road section from Syafrubesi to Rasuwagadhi into operation and requested assistance for the same.
Minister Lamsal informed that the government has moved forward with preparing a new Detailed Project Report (DPR) for long-term road infrastructure development from Kathmandu to the Rasuwagadhi Kerung border point and opening tracks at necessary locations. He requested the Chinese government's support and coordination in this work.
During the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Wang Maoming said that China, as a good friend and neighbor of Nepal, is ready to provide all possible support to Nepal. He expressed the view that a special study should be conducted for the reconstruction and operation of the Rasuwagadhi border point — a major trade hub of Nepal — and that long-term and effective infrastructure should be built.
Ambassador Wang, informing that the Chinese government is positive about operating the Korala and Tatopani border points, expressed commitment to initiate necessary coordination and support if the Nepal government sends a special proposal regarding the reconstruction and operation of the Rasuwagadhi border point.