Sino-Nepalese Ties Will See New Growth: Premier ZhuDuring a meeting with King Birendra, Zhu called the king "a respected and well-known friend of the Chinese people," who has had a "deep friendship" with Chinese leaders of three generations and made a great contribution to the growth of Chinese-Nepalese relations. Although China and Nepal are different in many respects, Zhu said, the two countries have maintained healthy and stable growth in bilateral ties. Sino-Nepalese relationship can be called a model of friendly coexistence among big and small nations and countries with different social systems, Zhu said. The premier expressed appreciation for the Nepalese government's adherence to the One-China policy and its support to China on such issues as human rights, Tibet and Taiwan over the years. On economic and trade cooperation, Zhu said such cooperation constituted "an important part" of the bilateral ties, adding that the Chinese side was satisfied with the current development although great potential remains to be tapped. China is ready to explore new ways of cooperation in transportation, contracting projects and trade together with Nepal, he said. China is also willing to continue to provide necessary assistance within its capacity to Nepal's economic construction, Zhu said. The king said he was glad to visit China again so that he could meet with old friends and make new friends. He spoke highly of the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries and expressed thanks to the Chinese government for its support and assistance to Nepal. He told Zhu that the purpose of his visit is to consolidate and enhance friendship with China and to expand economic cooperation between the two countries in the new century. He also spoke highly of China's role in maintaining world stability and peace and promoting economic development. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |
