Chinese delegation meets Nepal Prez, discusses bilateral ties

A delegation from China's ruling Communist party has called on Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari and discussed the bilateral relations here, days after Beijing provided Rs 15.80 billion to the Himalayan nation for post-quake reconstruction activities.
The meeting between the President and Communist Party of China (CPC) delegation led by their Chief of Publicity Department Liu Qibao took place at the presidential residence Sheetal Niwas here yesterday.
The team discussed the current bilateral relations.
The leaders also discussed about taking the bilateral relations to a more harmonious and stronger level, according to a press statement issued by the President's office.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong was also present.
China has provided Rs 15.80 billion to Nepal for post- quake reconstruction activities after a Cabinet meeting on December 11 decided to accept the grants worth Nepalese Rupees 15.80 billion provided by China.

China on December 9 launched a new cargo service linking Tibet and Nepal as dozens of trucks carrying goods worth USD 2.8 million left the Tibetan border port of Gyirong en route to Kathmandu.
The new rail and road cargo service linking Guangdong, Tibet and Nepal aims to boost trade with the South Asian neighbour as China pushes forward its Belt and Road (Silk Road) initiative.

It was the first such consignment being sent to Nepal after the new Prachanda government took over from his pro-China predecessor K P Sharma Oli, who had signed the transit trade deal with Beijing in March this year in a bid to reduce Nepal's dependence on India despite it being expensive due to the mountainous terrain.