Senior Chinese Communist Party leader to visit Nepal

Kathmandu [Nepal], Dec. 14 (ANI): Senior Chinese Communist Party leader and head of the party's propaganda department, Liu Qibao, will arrive in Kathmandu on Saturday. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liu, during his visit, will inaugurate the seventh China Festival in Kathmandu and pay courtesy calls to President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal among others, reports the Kathmandu Post. Liu's delegation will also hold discussions about the political situation in Nepal as part of an assessment for the possible visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nepal in the first half 2017. Discussions are also likely on Prime Minister Dahal's possible visit to China. "The two sides are yet to exchange all the agendas, but we will explore chances of PM Dahal's visit to China and the possibility of Chinese President Xi's visit to Nepal. We will certainly discuss these issues," said a source close to Dahal. Other issues like Chinese assistance and status of China-funded projects in Nepal will also be discussed, said the official. A preparatory team has already arrived in Kathmandu to lay the ground for Liu's visit. Sources said Nepali officials are viewing Liu's visit as a significant one, as he is one of the influential leaders in the CPC. (ANI)