Chinese Minister's Visit to Lumbini

Lumbini, June 12, 2024

Chen Ruifeng, the Chinese Minister of the National Religious and Cultural Affairs Administration, has visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. The delegation, including the Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs of China, was welcomed by Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chime), Vice-Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust. Minister Ruifeng stated that the visit aimed to explore future cooperation centered on Lumbini, promote tourism through the Chinese monastery, and strengthen the cultural ties between Nepal and China. During the visit, Minister Ruifeng visited the Mayadevi Temple, Asoka Pillar, Puskarini Pond, and the Peace Lamp, gaining insights about Lumbini.

During the visit, Vice-Chairman Dr. Lama urged immediate action for regular flights from China to Gautam Buddha International Airport, which has not been operational despite its construction centered on Lumbini. He emphasized that regular flights would boost tourism in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and help spread Buddha's message globally, seeking support from neighboring countries. He also mentioned the long-standing relationship with China and expressed eagerness to welcome Chinese pilgrims in Lumbini.

In response to Dr. Lama’s concern about the airport, Chinese Minister Ruifeng committed to operating regular flights from China to Gautam Buddha International Airport. He reiterated China’s positive stance on cooperation with Lumbini and Nepal, stating that the Chinese government is prepared for the international airport's operation and flights would commence soon. Minister Ruifeng expressed his happiness to see politically aware individuals like Vice-Chairman Lama leading the Lumbini Development Trust and affirmed China’s positive approach towards collaboration involving Buddha, Lumbini, and the Nepalese people.

The visit included the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, and the head of the Religious Affairs Bureau of the National Religious Affairs Administration of China, Huang Zhihui. The welcoming delegation for the ministers included Deputy Mayor Kalpana Harijan of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Member Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust Sanuraja Shakya, Registrar Tilak Acharya of Lumbini Buddhist University, Executive Member Shyam Rokka, and Chief of Information and Public Relations Dr. Hari Dhoj Rai, among others. Minister Ruifeng exchanged tokens of appreciation with Vice-Chairman Lama during a meeting at the office of the Lumbini Development Trust.

Additionally, Minister Ruifeng visited the Chinese Monastery in Lumbini, where Master Yin Sun, Vice-President of the Chinese Buddhist Society, provided a briefing. Minister Ruifeng also laid the foundation stone for a new monastery and planted a peepal tree at the site. Prior to this, Narayan Sapkota, President of the China-Nepal Friendship Society Lumbini, welcomed the Chinese Minister at the Gautam Buddha International Airport.

 

On the same day, Thakur Kumar Shrestha, President of the Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rupandehi, submitted a memorandum to the Chinese Minister, drawing attention to the operation of the Gautam Buddha International Airport.