KATHMANDU, MARCH 28 Chinese Premier Li Qiang has extended congratulations to Nepal's newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. In his message, Premier Li described Nepal and China as traditional neighbours linked by mountains and rivers, noting that the two countries have developed ties over the past 71 years based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He expressed China's continued support for Nepal's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and pledged to work closely with Prime Minister Shah to advance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and other sectors. Li also reiterated China's commitment to deepening the China-Nepal friendly strategic cooperative partnership for development and prosperity. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has congratulated Shisir Khanal on assuming office as Nepal's Foreign Minister. In his message, Wang highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1955, stating that bilateral ties have consistently progressed on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation. He expressed readiness to work with Minister Khanal to implement key bilateral understandings and further advance the strategic partnership featuring enduring friendship, development and prosperity.