KATHMANDU: The Nepali Consul General in Lhasa, Laxmi Prasad Niraula, attended a session of the People’s Congress of the Xizang Autonomous Region of China as a special guest.

He participated, as the only foreign diplomat, in the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) of the Xizang Autonomous Region held in Lhasa on January 30, and in the Fourth Session of the 12th People’s Congress of the Xizang Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China held on January 31.

Among consuls general from all countries, only the Nepali Consul General in Lhasa had the opportunity to participate in the regional parliament as a special guest.

At the CPPCC meeting held on January 30, the government of the Xizang Autonomous Region presented the policies to be adopted in 2026. In line with the directives issued by that conference, at the parliamentary session held the following day, Chairman of the Xizang Autonomous Region Government, Gama Cedain, presented a review of the major works carried out in 2025 and proposed the key programs and budget for 2026, according to the Nepali Consulate General.

On the occasion, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Xizang Autonomous Region People’s Congress, Losang Jiangcun, presented explanatory notes on the draft rules concerning religious affairs.

During the session, it was reaffirmed that the Xizang Autonomous Region would be developed as a high-level gateway to South Asia, with a focus on strengthening global relations. The government’s policies, budget, and programs for this year prioritize infrastructure development at border points with neighboring countries.

Following the session, the Consul General held a bilateral meeting with Dangzeng Lunzhu, Deputy General Secretary of the Xizang Autonomous Region Government and Director-General of the Ethnic, Religious, Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee. The meeting focused on various dimensions of Nepal–China relations.

The Consul General expressed the view that establishing sisterly parliament relations between Nepal’s federal and provincial parliaments and the Xizang Autonomous Region People’s Congress, along with exchanges of experience, would benefit both sides. He also invited the Chinese official to visit Nepal at an appropriate time.

In response, the Chinese official stated that his government is ready to support Nepal’s development endeavors. Both sides expressed their commitment to making continued efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations in the days ahead.