Kathmandu, 04 October (H.S.): A seven-member delegation, including Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming, reached Lomanthang in Upper Mustang on Saturday through the Korala border point. Nepalese officials held discussions with the Chinese ambassador regarding the reopening of the trade border point.

Nepal’s northern border crossings have been disrupted by floods and landslides, and efforts are underway to restore their operations. Earlier, at the initiative of the Chinese Embassy, a team comprising government officials had inspected the road leading to the Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchok.

Following the inspection, officials had said they would also assess the situation at the Korala border point in Mustang and determine which border crossing should be reopened first based on the conditions at both locations.

Ambassador Zhang Maoming travelled to Upper Mustang to assess the current condition of the Korala border point and the overall situation in the area. Mustang’s Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma said the Chinese ambassador had entered Mustang through the Korala border point.

“The Chinese ambassador has arrived in Mustang through the Korala border point. Detailed information regarding his visit has not yet been received. Security arrangements have been put in place, and he has travelled from the Korala border point to Lomanthang, where he is staying,” Sharma said.

According to Police Inspector Santosh Basyal of the District Police Office, the Chinese ambassador to Nepal arrived in Lomanthang for a three-day visit to Mustang. He is accompanied by five Chinese officials and two employees of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.

Inspector Basyal said the delegation, which entered Mustang through the Korala border point, is staying at Hotel Mandala in Lomanthang. The delegation is also scheduled to travel from Lomanthang to Jomsom.

Tashi Norbu Gurung, chairman of Lomanthang Rural Municipality, said the ambassador’s visit through the Nepal-China Korala border point was the first high-level visit of its kind. According to Gurung, the ambassador travelled to Mustang to assess the overall situation in the border region and explore the possibility of fully reopening the Korala border point.

The Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border crossing is currently completely closed due to flooding. Similarly, the Tatopani border point leading towards China is also fully closed. Against this backdrop, the Chinese ambassador’s visit to Mustang is being regarded as significant by local observers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar