Chinese Ambassador Invites Nepal to Submit Proposal for Reopening Rasuwagadhi Border Crossing

Dragon Media News Desk

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming has said he would work to coordinate assistance if the Nepal government submits a specific proposal for rebuilding and reopening the Rasuwagadhi border crossing. He discussed the reconstruction of roads, bridges and other infrastructure damaged by flooding in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli areas during a meeting with Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal at Singha Durbar.

Lamsal said Nepal expected further Chinese assistance to reopen the Rasuwagadhi crossing, which has remained closed since the floods. He said the Nepal government was prepared to rebuild the damaged road from Syabrubesi to Rasuwagadhi. The minister also requested cooperation to improve operations at the Korala crossing in Mustang and the Tatopani crossing in Sindhupalchok.

According to an account of the meeting published by Jana Aastha, Zhang pledged to help coordinate support if Nepal submitted a specific proposal concerning Rasuwagadhi. He also said China was positive about the operation of the Korala and Tatopani crossings.

Although Zhang invited a proposal, no decision has been announced on its contents, cost, timetable or the form of assistance. Reopening the crossing will require an assessment of the damaged road and other necessary infrastructure, followed by further coordination between the two sides.