Leader Pun meets Chinese Deputy Minister Chen

CPN (Maoist Center) Standing Committee member Barshaman Pun and Chinese Deputy Minister Chen Zhao had a bilateral meeting on Monday.  Leader Pun, who has been in China for over a month in the course of his medical treatment, met the leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Deputy Minister Chen, according to his secretariat.   Former Speaker and spouse of Pun Onsari Gharti Magar was also present on the occasion.   During the meeting, the two discussed the matters relating to the relations between the two countries and the escalation of the ties between the CPC and the Maoist Centre.  Pun had met the Chinese political delegation on the advice of party Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. On this occasion, the Chinese leader wished for the success of the ongoing eighth General Convention of the CPN (Maoist Center).  Terming the CPC and the Maoist Centre as the closest allies, the Chinese leader was learnt to have expressed his hope that the Maoist party would be further strengthened under the leadership of Prachanda, according to a press note issued by the Pun’s secretariat.   Besides, the two talked about Nepal's contemporary politics, dwelling on the matters relating to collaboration and unity among the leftists.   In response, leader Pun hinted at the possibility of party unity among communist parties sharing similar visions and goals. “If that is not possible, the Maoist Centre is ready for collaboration and alliance till and following the upcoming elections.”  Leader Pun, diagnosed with a rare genetic liver disorder is learnt to have been preparing to return home following the significant improvement in his health.  He was taken to Thailand on September 29 due to the recurrence of the problem and to The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen straight from there on November 26.   Prior to this, he had visited Lalitpur-based Sumeru Hospital, Grande International at home and Apollo of India in course of treatment.