Kathmandu, January 24

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa today said the eight- point consensus that was reached between Nepal and India during his recent visit to China would further strengthen the relations between the two countries.

Addressing a book launch programme organised here today by Current Publication Pvt Ltd and China Intercontinental Press here today, DPM Thapa said Nepal’s relations with China had remained ideal, consistent and trouble-free.

He said Nepal-China relations were based on the principle of panchsheel and both countries were firm about strengthening their bilateral relations on its basis.

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, Thapa added, this is an opportune time for us to reshape our relations.

He said Nepal and India had been engaging in trade since ancient age but there had not been any treaty framework to govern trade relations between these two countries.

DPM Thapa said Nepal wanted to sign a trade treaty with China and had also given a draft of transit treaty to China that Nepal wanted to sign with the northern neighbour.

Thapa said Nepal wanted to be part of One Belt, One Road policy and of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Former Prime Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista said Nepal could take immense benefit from China as the northern neighbour had become the second largest economy in the world and it wanted to help Nepal in the latter’s quest for attaining prosperity and development.

China’s Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai said the launch of the book ‘You and Us: Stories of China and Nepal,’ was a timely event as both the countries were celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

Chuntai said things might not be rosy tomorrow but people of both the countries were committed to making the bilateral relations better.

He said China launched a new programme a policy of diplomacy with neighbour, friendship and non-interference. He said all countries big or small were equal for China.

Chuntai said China’ s One Belt, One Road policy and policy of free trade agreement were based on China’s growing economy and its political will. He said Nepal would benefit if it participated in One Belt One Road policy.

President of Current Publication Pvt Ltd Devendra Gautam said China had always acted as a true friend of Nepal.