China wants Nepal to be bridge to India

China is happy to see a stronger relationship between India and Nepal, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Friday.

Noting that it was beneficial for Nepal to have a strong relationship with India, Wang said at a press conference after his meeting with Nepali counterpart Mahendra Bahadur Pandey: "We hope Nepal becomes the bridge for China to connect to India and South Asia."

China has also promised to help Nepal improve nine sectors to get rid of the least developed countries (LDCs) status as soon as possible.

Wang said that China always supported Nepal in its efforts to alleviate poverty, adding that China was ready to help Nepal achieve the goal of getting be removed from the LDC list by 2022, Xinhua reported.

China was ready to help Nepal improve such sectors as trade, investment, agriculture, energy, infrastructure development, science and technology, tourism, security and law enforcement as well as human resource development, Wang said.

China has raised annual aid to Nepal from 150 million yuan ($24.16 million) to 800 million yuan, according to Wang.

Describing the two countries as friendly neighbours with adjoining mountains and waters, Wang said, China appreciated Nepal's firm support on issues relating to China's core interests.

Nepal and China also agreed to enhance bilateral trade and economic prosperity for mutual development.

Pandey said that there would be exchange of high-level visits as well as various events on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-China diplomatic relationship.