KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 14

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Sunday said China congratulates Sushila Karki on her appointment as Nepal's interim Prime Minister and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

"China and Nepal share a time-honored friendship," the spokesperson said added. "China, as always, respects the development path chosen independently by the people of Nepal. We stand ready to work with Nepal to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and further advance bilateral relations."

Karki, Nepal's former chief justice, was sworn in as interim Prime Minister on September 12, tasked with holding new parliamentary elections within six months.