KATHMANDU, Aug 2: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said Nepal-China relations have been strengthened with mutual respect and intimacy at the people's level. The two-country relations are based on civilization and historical and cultural propinquity.
PM Oli said it while addressing a special function organized on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations in Kathmandu on Friday. In addition to mutual trust, the relations between Nepal and China are forward-based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence, he added.
The PM reminded, "Nepal is firm in its One China Policy. China, too, has been respecting Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. China is not only our neighbor but also a credible development partner."
'Relations with India based on mutual respect'
"We attach much significance to durable and time-tested friendship. In the course of the relations, various historic moments are witnessed—in 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a historic visit to Nepal. It elevated our status of a strategic cooperation and partnership based on mutual trust and friendship for the development and prosperity," PM Oli reminded.
Moreover, he argued that his official visit to China in 2024 and meeting with high-level dignitaries was very fruitful. It verified Nepal's commitment to cooperation. The signing of the Belt and Road Initiatives Framework made our common resolution robust.
He appreciated the Chinese assistance to Nepal in the development of infrastructure and connectivity. Similarly, there is expanding cooperation in agriculture, trade, transit, energy, health, digital technology and climate resilience, the PM observed.
"The recent flash flood in the Lhende stream on the Nepal-China border caused massive damage. It reinforced the urgency of joint initiatives in the Himalayan development with early warning, exchange of information and sustainable works," PM Oli recalled, adding that Nepal gives much importance to the collaboration with China for the conservation of the Himalayas and fragile ecosystem on the Himalayan border.
Moreover, the head of the government appreciated the unprecedented development and achievements made by China, e.g., lifting millions of people out of poverty, launching innovation, and leading sustainable development and international collaboration. These initiatives have contributed not only to the nation's particular but also to the entire global stability and progress, he hailed.
PM Oli further viewed that Nepal is also inspired by Chinese development and achievements and is forwarding its national ambition: Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.
