Diplomatic hobnobbing

Nepal’s politicians need to have the astuteness to translate friendly ties into economic advantage.

Nepal’s government suddenly finds itself in a flurry of diplomatic hobnobbing since the ratification of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). First, it was the visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with a purpose to get, perhaps, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) ball rolling and clear the air concerning the MCC deal about which China had expressed strong reservations. Wang Yi left Nepal after concluding nine deals related to a range of subjects from grass and railways to economic and technical cooperation but none on projects associated with the BRI, citing the necessity for more negotiations.