Nepali Prime Minister greets Nepali Students at the welcome ceremony

Peking University, December 6，2024: On December 4, 2024, Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli delivered an impactful address at the Sunshine Hall of the Yingjie Exchange Center during a visit to Peking University. Accompanied by First Lady Radhika Shakya, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Nepal’s Ambassador to China Bishnu P. Oli and other delegates, the event underscored the enduring friendship between Nepal and China.

Hosted by Hao Ping, Chair of the University Council, the event was attended by over 200 students, faculty, and officials, including Peking University President Gong Qihuang and Vice Presidents Ning Qi, Dong Zhiyong, and Fang Fang. Hao Ping reflected on the strong diplomatic ties between China and Nepal, established in 1955, and how it has become a model for win-win collaboration based on the “Strategic Partnership of Cooperation for Development and Prosperity.” He emphasized that the visit would enhance collaborations between Peking University and Nepalese universities, fostering exchanges in science and technology, culture and education.

President Gong welcomed the delegation and highlighted Peking University’s efforts to nurture partnerships through initiatives like the “Boya Overseas Talent Development Program,” which has supported Nepalese students in fields including medicine, economics, and public administration. He also underscored the Belt and Road Initiative’s role in fostering cooperation and bridging geographical divides.



At the outset of his address, titled “Comprehensive Democracy: A Journey towards Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali,” Prime Minister Oli praised Peking University as “a temple of knowledge and a cradle of creativity.” He acknowledged its pivotal role in modern Chinese history, particularly during the May Fourth Movement. He described the institution as “full of academic energy and spark” and emphasized the transformative power of education in overcoming global challenges.

Drawing from Sanskrit philosophy, he invoked an ancient aphorism:

“असतोमा सद्गमय, तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय, मृत्योरमामृतं गमय”

(Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from mortality to immortality.)

He celebrated the shared cultural heritage of Nepal and China, describing it as a source of hope, wisdom, and innovation. Reflecting on Nepal’s democratic journey, he emphasized the importance of collective efforts to build on the legacies of their ancestors. “Today, the responsibility is ours to carry that torch, to build on the path laid down by our ancestors, and to expand the frontiers of human progress,” he said.



During the Q&A session, students engaged Prime Minister Oli on pressing global topics. Lin Yifei, an undergraduate student from the College of Environmental Science and Engineering, inquired about ecological collaborations, and Prime Minister Oli highlighted Nepal’s active engagement with China in addressing climate challenges. Aneka Rebecca Rajbhandari, a Nepalese student at Yenching Academy, asked about the Belt and Road Initiative's impact in Nepal, prompting Oli to discuss its role in infrastructure development and bilateral cooperation, particularly as the 70th anniversary of Sino-Nepal diplomatic relations is approaching. He also engaged in discussions on bilateral collaborations in ecological and environmental protection, and his responses not only truly reflected his profound insights but also his sincere care and hope for the younger generation.

The visit concluded with heartfelt exchanges between Prime Minister Oli and the university community, reaffirming the shared goal of fostering deeper educational partnerships and strengthening Sino-Nepal relations. “Together, Nepal and China can envision a future of shared prosperity and enduring friendship, inspired by mutual respect and the pursuit of a better world for all,” the prime minister said.

Prime Minister Oli with the university leadership

Nepali PKU Students Reflect on Prime Minister Oli’s Visit

“It was an honor to attend the grand address by Rt. Hon. Mr. KP Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, at Peking University. Being far from home, it was heartening to hear our Prime Minister acknowledge and inspire us Nepali students.  He emphasized the importance of fostering stronger Nepal-China ties, focusing on mutual collaboration in areas like education, culture, and infrastructure. He highlighted Nepal’s strategic interest in benefiting from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), calling for enhanced economic partnerships and connectivity projects, such as the development of trans-Himalayan infrastructure.”

-Samata Bajracharya, Undergraduate, Health and Science Center of Peking University

"One of the great things is having Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli at my university, Peking University, a world-renowned institution! It’s truly inspiring to hear him emphasize the shared legacy of wisdom between Nepal and China. The fact that our Prime Minister chose a university for his speech shows his strong commitment to education and his deep interest in knowledge sharing, reflecting his vision of fostering academic and cultural exchanges for a brighter future!"

-Ganesh Prasad Khanal, Ph.D. student, Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development

Reported by: Aneka Rebecca Rajbhandari
Edited by: Sean Tan