Nepal's New Prime Minister Engages with Global Powers
Kathmandu – In a flurry of diplomatic activity, Nepal's newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki has engaged with key international players, signaling the significant interest in the recent political developments within the country. The Prime Minister received a phone call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held separate meetings with the Chinese and US ambassadors, Chen Song and Dean Thompson, respectively, all within the same day.
This concentrated attention from Nepal's immediate neighbors, India and China, as well as the United States, underscores the importance of the nation's stability and future direction in the eyes of global powers. Karki's assumption of office follows a period of significant social and political upheaval.
Seeking Support for Upcoming Elections
During her interactions with Prime Minister Modi and the Chinese and US ambassadors, Prime Minister Karki emphasized the interim government's top priority: the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5th. She sought assurances of support and commitment from all three nations towards ensuring a free, fair, and successful electoral process.
Beyond the elections, Karki outlined other crucial priorities for her administration, including the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged during recent unrest, the establishment of an independent commission to investigate alleged atrocities committed during the Gen Z protests, and the formation of a high-level commission dedicated to tackling corruption.
India's Support and Condolences
Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations to Karki on her appointment as Nepal's first female prime minister. During their phone conversation, which lasted for nearly half an hour, Modi also conveyed heartfelt condolences for the loss of life during the recent youth movement. He affirmed India's solidarity with Nepal during this critical juncture. Furthermore, Modi extended warm wishes on the occasion of Nepal's National Day (Constitution Day).
Karki reciprocated by conveying her greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Modi on his 75th birthday and expressed her appreciation for his message of support. She reiterated the government's commitment to holding elections as a top priority, driven by the aspirations of the youth, and to establishing accountable, responsive, and corruption-free governance.
Prime Minister Modi assured Karki of India's full support and cooperation in line with the priorities of the Nepalese government. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and partnership for the benefit of their respective populations. India emphasized its readiness to continue working closely to deepen the special ties between the two countries and pledged its full support for Nepal's efforts towards restoring peace and stability and fostering progress for its people.
China Reaffirms "One China" Policy
Following the conversation with Prime Minister Modi, Chinese Ambassador Chen Song met with Prime Minister Karki to discuss Nepal-China relations and China's support for the new government. The discussions focused on further strengthening bilateral ties and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Chinese ambassador conveyed a congratulatory message from the Chinese government on Karki's appointment. He stated that China respects the political and developmental path chosen by the Nepali people and expressed China's commitment to supporting Nepal's aspirations for development and prosperity. Ambassador Chen also conveyed that China expects Nepal's continued support for the "One China" policy, to which Prime Minister Karki reaffirmed Nepal's commitment.
US Focus on Development and MCC Compact
Following the meeting with the Chinese ambassador, US Ambassador Dean Thompson paid a call on Prime Minister Karki. Their discussions covered various aspects of Nepal-US relations, including projects under the Millennium Challenge Nepal Compact (MCC).
The US ambassador expressed the US government's commitment to continuing its support for Nepal's development aspirations. Thompson briefed Karki on the progress made in MCC projects, for which the US has committed $500 million, with a subsequent addition of $50 million. Karki indicated that she would discuss the status of MCC projects with her Cabinet ministers, who possess expertise in infrastructure and international support, signaling a positive outlook towards the continuation of the projects.
Karki acknowledged that she was still becoming fully informed on all relevant issues and would seek detailed briefings. She suggested that Ambassador Thompson also engage with Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, whose ministry is the focal agency for implementing the MCC projects in coordination with MCA-Nepal. The US ambassador stated that the MCC headquarters is releasing funds to advance the MCC projects in Nepal, subject to the approval of the Nepali Cabinet.
The US administration had previously decided to resume MCC operations in Nepal from July, following a period of pause. The initial tranche of $50 million is earmarked for advancing two MCC projects related to highway upgrades and electricity transmission line construction. The MCA-Nepal is a special vehicle under the government of Nepal overseeing the implementation of these projects.
Ambassador Thompson reaffirmed the United States' support for Nepal's peaceful and democratic path forward. He highlighted discussions on ways to advance trade, foster economic growth, strengthen disaster preparedness, and carry forward the MCC Nepal Compact to further the interests and prosperity of both countries.
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