Nepali president hail anniversary of diplomatic ties with China

Nepali President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala hailed the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, a press statement issued by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

Nepal and China established diplomatic ties on Aug. 1, 1955.

Nepali president Yadav, in a congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping, said that the five principles of peaceful co- existence provide a strong foundation for the bilateral relations and Nepal respects the One China policy.

"The Nepalese people hold the Chinese people in high esteem as true and trusted friend, and this has found the best expression during the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal recently," said the message.

While stating his happiness over China's impressive socio- economic progress over the last six decades, President Yadav expressed the best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of China.

In his congratulatory message to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Nepali Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said that Nepal-China relations have been nurtured, strengthened and consolidated by mutual respect, understanding,trust and friendship for mutual benefit.

Koirala also expressed his happiness that Nepal and China have remained ideal neighbors and have been working closely on issues of common interests at regional and international forums.

"China is Nepal's trustworthy neighbor, an intimate friend and a reliable development partner. Nepal unequivocally remains committed to the One China policy and does not allow any hostile activities on its soil against its neighbors," said the message.

While appreciating the Chinese assistance in its development efforts, humanitarian support in the aftermath of Nepal's earthquake and the Chinese government's commitment to substantial support to Nepal's reconstruction and rebuilding, Koirala expressed his hope that Nepal would benefit from China's continued progress and prosperity.

Nepali Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey also sent a congratulatory message to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the occasion.