11 May 2020, Kathmandu
Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has said it would be unwise to immediately hold talks with China on the road newly constructed by India in the Nepali territory Lipulekh.
Minister Gyawali suggested that Nepal should first hold talks with India and then with China.
Speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary International Relations Committee on Monday, Gyawali said, “We will hold talks with India on the road construction issue and try to resolve it. We will then hold talks with China on the issue.”
The current problem is related to India, said Gyawali, adding, “We will hold talks with China on the tri-junction-related issue later.”
“The tri-junction related dispute between Nepal, India and China has not yet been resolved. The issue of zero number pillar has yet to be finalized. This issue should be raised with China,” said Gyawali.
Meanwhile, he said the Nepal government is serious to hold talks with the southern neighbor on border disputes and then the road construction.
However, the Nepal government is not in a mood to immediately internationalize the border dispute issue, clarified Gyawali.
