KATHMANDU: China is learnt to have pledged to extend over US$ 650 million (approximately Rs 66.30 billion) for rebuilding and recovery work for the next two years and is likely to provide more in the succeeding years, a top official said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday conveyed Beijing’s substantial support to Nepal’s recovery efforts during his call on Prime Minister Sushil Koirala at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar, a senior aide to PM Koirala told The Himalayan Times.

Nevertheless, Foreign Minister Wang didn’t elaborate how Beijing would provide its support and in which sector of reconstruction and recovery.

Talking to THT, Chinese Ambassador Wu Chuntai also indicated substantial support from his government, but refrained from sharing the exact volume of financial support.

Wang, who arrived to Kathmandu earlier today, is expected to announce it in detail at tomorrow’s International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction 2015, which aims to seek foreign aid and sharing experience of post-disaster recovery.

Meanwhile, India, Japan, Norway, and Bangladesh have also assured all necessary help to Nepal in its rebuilding and recovery efforts.

“Indication for support from all sides — neighbouring and friendly countries and donor community — is very encouraging,” the Prime Minister’s Press Adviser Prateek Pradhan told The Himalayan Times.

External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj, Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, Bangladeshi Finance Minister Abdul Muhth and Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Minoru Kiuchi today separately called on PM Koirala and assured their “substantive and extraordinary” support in this time, according to PM’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Dinesh Bhattarai.

Wang said China would be happy to extend all necessary help at this time as per Nepal’s own needs and priority.

“We are ready to provide all support to Nepal in this difficult period. Nepal is our best friend,” Bhattarai quoted Wang as telling.

Swaraj, who also landed earlier today, told PM Koirala that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was very concerned about Nepal’s needs and difficulties and was ready to extend all necessary support.

“I am glad to see that in spite of the tragedy, the people of Nepal have displayed a steely determination to rebuild their country,” Swaraj added. “India will continue to stand together with the people and Government of Nepal in the quickest recovery and reconstruction.”

Both Swaraj and Wang also separately called on President Ram Baran Yadav and reiterated future help to Nepal.

This was Swaraj’s third and Wang’s second visit to Nepal within a year.

Earlier, Wang met Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey and discussed bilateral issues, including trade, transit, investment, infrastructure development and others.