PM Dahal describes his China visit as a success; says his first 'formal visit' will be to India

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who returned to the capital completing a four-day trip to China Wednesday, has said his visit to the northern neighbour was "positive and fruitful".

Speaking to reporters at the Tribhuvan International Airport on his return this afternoon, PM Dahal said the visit was an important opportunity to share views on Nepal's peace process and development and economic issues with the Chinese leadership. Chinese leadership, according to him, expressed satisfaction over the recent political changes in Nepal.

As it was an informal visit no agreements on development or economic matters were signed, he informed.

The PM said the Chinese side showed interest in investing in various sectors in Nepal, but didn't mention in which areas China was interested to put investment. He also hinted that there would be follow-up visits over the matters discussed during the visit.

Asked about the reports of India's displeasure over his visit to the China, Dahal said the visit should not be viewed in negative light as it was not a political one and that it was basically meant to represent the country in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.

"My first political and formal visit will be to India," he clarified.The Prime Minister had gone to China on Aug 23, leading an 11-member delegation, which included his wife Sita, communication minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara and foreign secretary Gyan Chandra Acharya.

In Beijing, he met Chinese President Hu Jintao, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and other senior leaders of the Chinese Communist Party. During the tour, he also visited some landmarks in Beijing including chairman Mao's mausoleum. nepalnews.com mk Aug 27 08