Nepali Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers Kirti Nidhi Bista Sunday met with a visiting Chinese delegation led by Chairman of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Chen Haosu.

 

"Nepal-China relations, having a long and illustrious history of friendship, excellent relationship and exchanges, have taken a new dimension and reached a new height after the establishment of diplomatic relations on August 1, 1955," Bista said during the meeting.

 

"Mutual understanding of each other's aspirations and sensitive and our mutual commitment to the principles of peaceful coexistence have always remained the cornerstone of our bilateral ties," Bista said.

 

China is one of the most important contributors to Nepal's socio-economic development, Bista noted, adding, "We highly appreciate Chinese cooperation, and are thankful to the Chinese government and people for their help."

 

"Nowadays, mutual understanding, respect and trust, and treating each other equally have become salient characters of China-Nepal relations," Chen said at the meeting.

 

"There is no outstanding problem but friendship and cooperation between Nepal and China," Chen said, adding, "We will continue to be Nepal's good neighbor, friend and partner."

 

Chen also expressed his confidence that the visit by the Chinese delegation will further close the China-Nepal ties.

 

Chen, leading a 12-member delegation of CPAFFC, arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday for a five-day-long visit to Nepal.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 26, 2005)