(Source: CGTN)

Visiting Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, made a speech at the Beijing Foreign Studies University on Sunday. Speaking about Nepal's relations with China, the Belt and Road Initiative was singled out.

Addressing both students and scholars, Prime Minister Dahal said China’s Belt and Road Initiative offers plenty of opportunities for collaboration.

"Some of you may be aware, Nepal used to be an important thoroughfare in the ancient silk route. It was a vibrant trade entrépot that connected parts of Central Asia with South Asia. We can build on that legacy, and create a modern success story. Success story of connectivity; of development; of mobility; and of shared prosperity. Nepal has already signed a MOU on Belt and Road Initiative in 2014, and is considering to ink an extended MOU soon," Pushpa Kamal Dahal said.

China's Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, and aims to construct a trade and infrastructure network which connects Asia with Europe and Africa. So far, more than 100 countries and international organizations have signalled their involvement.

Interestingly, topics related to the one belt, one road initiative were the most asked questions posed by Chinese and Nepali students during a question and answer session with Nepal's prime minister. Potential related to the China-backed initiative was the hottest topic of the event.
 
Speaking at the opening of the Center for Nepalese Studies, Dahal said Nepal welcomes further investment from China in hydropower projects, urban infrastructure and cross-border transmission lines.

Dahal also said that academic exchanges between China and Nepal can spark new ideas and connect the best minds from the two countries.

Dahal is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping on Monday.