KATHMANDU: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said that the Nepali people hold the Chinese people in high esteem as true and trusted friend, as the five principles of peaceful co-existence provide a strong foundation of bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Exchanging congratulatory messages with President of China Xi Jinping on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People's Republic of China today, President Yadav also expressed his happiness over China's impressive socio-economic progress over the last six decades and wished for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of China.

Likewise, in his message, Chinese President Xi has attached great importance to development of China-Nepal relations and expressed his readiness to work with President Yadav for more fruitful results benefitting both countries and peoples.

Describing China and Nepal as good neighbours, friends and partners, President Xi said that the bilateral relations have steadily developed over past 60 years and the comprehensive cooperative partnership featuring ever-lasting friendship has been established.

Exchanging a similar message with his Chinese counterpart, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala expressed happiness that Nepal and China remain ideal neighbours and have been working closely on issues of common interests at regional and international forums.

He further added that China is Nepal's trustworthy neighbour, an intimate friend and a reliable development partner. He underlined that Nepal unequivocally remains committed to "One China Policy" and does not allow any hostile activities on its soil against its neighbours.

While deeply appreciating Chinese assistance in its development efforts, Chinese humanitarian support in the aftermath of Nepal's earthquake and Chinese commitment to substantial support to Nepal's reconstruction and rebuilding, the Prime Minister expressed his hope that Nepal would benefit from China's phenomenal progress and prosperity.

Likewise, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has mentioned that China and Nepal have always developed relationships on the basis of five principles of Peaceful Co-existence and have set a good example in building equal and friendly relations between small and large neighbours.

The Premier has added that the Chinese side consistently supports the efforts of Nepali people in maintaining independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and highly appreciates Nepal's adherence to one-China policy. He expressed his commitment to continuously upgrading China-Nepal comprehensive cooperative partnership featuring ever-lasting friendship to a higher level.

Marking the occasion, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi also exchanged congratulatory messages.

In his congratulatory message, Minister Pandey has stated that mutual trust, great understanding and close cooperation constitute the hallmarks of all-weather warm friendship and strong relations between the two countries. He further mentioned that significant progress has been made in broadening and deepening our bilateral understanding and cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1955.

China is one of the most important contributors to Nepal's socio-economic development. The spontaneous support extended by the Chinese Government to the rescue, relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Nepal's recent earthquake as well as the Chinese pledge to the reconstruction, rehabilitation and rebuilding of Nepal has deeply moved the Nepali people, the Minister stated.

In his message, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the long history of friendship between Nepal and China and stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations the two countries have promoted cooperation in various fields based on mutual respect, support, equality and mutual benefit. Recalling his participation in the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction and his pledge of support, he has also expressed his assurance to assist Nepal in its rebuilding efforts.

Foreign Minister Pandey is hosting a reception in the capital today to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.