KATHMANDU, August 1

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said that Nepal appreciated the growing ties between neighbouring China and India.

He also lauded the country’s ‘neighbour policy’ that takes neighbours as partners for peace and prosperity. “We are happy to see both of our neighbours China and India making tremendous progress in various fields,” he said on Saturday while addressing a function organised to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic ties between Nepal and China, which was established on August 1, 1955.

The programme was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza.

PM Koirala added that Nepal’s relations with its neighbours had global significance and prioritised peace, political stability, as well as economic development around the world.

He said that China played the role of an ideal neighbour and reliable partner for the development of Nepal. He assured the country’s unequivocal commitment to “One China Policy”.

He also appreciated Chinese humanitarian support as well as substantial financial aid to Nepal’s rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the April 25 earthquake.

A walkathon was also organised in the Capital this morning to mark the anniversary. Minister for Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Chief Secretary Lilamani Paudyal and Ambassador of China to Nepal Wu Chuntai jointly inaugurated the function organised by Nepal Chamber of Commerce.

The walkathon began from Nepal Academy in Kamaladi, continued around Ghantaghar-Ratna Park-New Road, and ended at Basantapur Durbar Square.