Henan University of China and Tribhuvan University of Nepal signed here Friday a memorandum of understanding on student exchange and overall collaboration in education, The Rising Nepal newspaper reported Saturday.

"This is the first time a Chinese university signed such a memorandum of understanding with a country of South Asia," the state-run English daily quoted Mahendra Prasad Singh, rector of Tribhuvan University, as saying.

"It will help us share knowledge, ideas, experiences and partnership, which will strengthen the relationship between the two close and friendly neighbors," Singh said.

According to the memorandum, the two universities will expand their friendship and cooperation through an exchange of teachers, students and executive members.

The memorandum of understanding was signed at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu by Singh and Guan Aihe, president of Henan University.
 
(Xinhua News Agency November 8, 2003)