KATHMANDU, JANUARY 29

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, today paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, at the latter's office in Singha Durbar.

The meeting between the duo focused on mutual relations between Nepal and China and the issue of projects initiated by China in Nepal, it has been said.

On the occasion, they exchanged congratulations and extended best wishes for their successful tenure in office, said participating the ministry's secretary Keshab Kumar Sharma.

Offering his best wishes to the newly elected Ambassador, the minister expressed the hope that relations at the people's level between the two countries would be further strengthened.

He also urged the Chinese side to resume the widening of the long-halted Kalanki-Chabahil road soon by removing obstructions at the project site.

The talks also touched on the Chinese promises to move ahead existing projects initiated with the support of the Government of China, provide additional assistances and carry out a study of other new projects, said Sharma.

The DPM Shrestha drew the attention of the Ambassador for the Chinese government to provide addition assistance for a repair and expansion of the Araniko Highway, and open the transits.

The matter about upgrading the Muglin-Pokhara and Narayangadh-Butwal roads was also discussed upon.