Nepal, China pledge to boost ties

Nepal and China on Tuesday reiterated their traditional good neighbourly ties and pledged to further deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields.

The two neighbours, at the 11th meeting here of the Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism, recalled the time-tested friendship they have fostered.

"Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1955, China and Nepal have set a good example in forging ties between the countries of different sizes and different social systems," Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

Beijing appreciates the Nepali government's adherence to the one-China policy, said Kong, adding that China will always support Nepal's efforts to safeguard its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kong said China will continue to uphold the principle of non-interference in its internal affairs and is willing to provide assistance within its ability for Nepal's socio-economic development.

Regarding Nepal as an important partner in building the Belt and Road, Kong said that China is willing to align development strategies between the two sides and further deepen cooperation to create more opportunities for the development of the two sides.

Nepal's Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi said his country treats China as a great neighbour and a great friend, and the two countries have forged solid ties based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Bairagi said Nepal supports the Belt and Road Initiative and will take an active part in building the China-proposed initiative.

The two sides also explored the potential in cooperation in the fields, including high-level exchanges, trade and investment, communication and connectivity, energy and post-disaster reconstruction.

--IANS

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