China ideal neighbour, reliable partner; PM Koirala tells Chinese counterpart

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has said China is Nepal’s ideal neighbour, an intimate friend and a reliable development partner.

Sending his congratulatory message to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the occasion of 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, PM Koirala today said, “Nepal and China remain ideal neighbours and have been working closely on issues of common interests at regional and international forums.”

President Ram Baran Yadav and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping also exchanged congratulatory messages on the same occasion today.

The diplomatic relations between Nepal and China was set up on August 1, 1955. The two countries have been celebrating the diamond jubilee of the diplomatic ties by organising a series of diplomatic events in both nations this year.

In his message, PM Koirala has also underlined that Nepal unequivocally remains committed to "One China Policy" and does not allow any hostile activity on its soil against its neighbours, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday.

Appreciating Chinese humanitarian support in the aftermath of Nepal's earthquakes and substantial financial aid to Nepal's rebuilding, Koirala expressed his hope that Nepal would benefit from China's phenomenal progress and prosperity.

Referring to recent political developments in Nepal, he said that political parties are working in a spirit of national unity and reconciliation to conclude the peace process and promulgate a constitution through the Constituent Assembly.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in his message to Koirala, mentioned that China and Nepal have set a good example in building equal and friendly relations between small and large neighbours.