Nepal voted in favor of the UN resolution along with 143 countries which condemns Russia’s decision to annex four regions of Ukraine. The decision to vote against Russian annexation is consistent with Nepal’s position to actively seek for maintaining international peace and security while following the core principles of non-alignment. And, Nepali politicians and scholars attended an event organized by Chinese delegates on the theme – “the new opportunities that the 20th Party Congress will bring to the world with the new journey of building a socialist modernized country in an all-round way.” The program was live telecast and over ten thousand Nepalese audience watched the event but the event wasn’t covered by any Nepali media.

Timeline of Major Events

Nepal voted in favor of Ukraine in UN resolution

The prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine has drawn the attention of countries around the world. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that condemns Russia’s brutal attack in regions within Ukraine. The resolution reads that “Russia’s illegal so-called referendum within Ukraine’s internationally-recognized borders and demand it reverses its annexation declaration”. Nepal voted in favor of the UN resolution along with 143 countries which condemns Russia’s decision to annex four regions of Ukraine. Russia along with five countries voted against the resolution. However, Nepal’s immediate neighbor India, China remained absent and, quite a few African countries did the same. Nepal’s decision to vote in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution is to actively seek for promotion of international peace, security and development.

Power trade between Nepal and Bangladesh

In August, Nepal and Bangladesh agreed that Nepal Electricity Authority and Bangladesh Power Development Board would send a request to the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) of India for a trilateral power trade agreement to enable the export of 40 to 50 megawatts of power generated in Nepal to Bangladesh. The statement issued by Joint Secretary Level, Joint Working Group and Secretary Level Joint Steering Committee states that two 40-50 MW could be exported from Nepal through the Bheramara High Voltage Direct Current, a transmission line system of Bangladesh. The initiatives taken from Nepal and Bangladesh to reach tripartite agreement with India for using its land for setting up transmission line. In this discourse, Nepal and Bangladesh has requested for triparty meeting and officials at NEA has sent a formal request to NVVN. However, there has been no response from NVVN side. Nepal power trade is only limited to India, the untapped potential in the energy sector of Nepal remains stagnant due to its poor geographical location. If Nepal explores its option for trading power with other countries through trilateral agreement it could surplus economy of the country. In such instances, India plays an important role in allowing its territory to be used by its closest neighbor, Nepal.

Nepalese Politicians and Scholars participates a Chinese event on 20th Party Congress

An event organized by Chinese delegates in Kathmandu was attended by Nepalese politicians and scholars. The program was live telecast and over ten thousand Nepalese audience watched the event. Xiaoyu briefed “the new opportunities that the 20th Party Congress will bring to the world with the new journey of building a socialist modernized country in an all-round way” and significance of a community with a shared future for mankind in China-Nepal relations. The program was also attended by Minister of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Reduction of Nepal, Sashi Shrestha. During the event she mentioned that “Nepal hopes to learn from China’s experience and promote the comprehensive development of Nepal’s economy and society.” It is surprising that none of the media hubs covered this program.