China, Nepal agree to boost pragmatic cooperation, friendly ties

Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari (R) meets with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang in Kathmandu, Nepal, Aug. 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma)

China and Nepal agreed on Wednesday to boost bilateral pragmatic cooperation, especially under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, to further strengthen friendly ties between the two countries.

At a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari expressed appreciation for China's consistent support and assistance for Nepal's national development and post-disaster reconstruction.

The president said the Nepalese government and people cherish the traditional friendship with China and the two countries have always been good neighbors and real friends sharing good and bad times over history.

The president pledged that Nepal supports the Belt and Road Initiative put forward by China and will actively participate in the initiative to further promote bilateral pragmatic cooperation for mutual benefit.

She noted that Nepal and China have maintained frequent high-level contacts and bilateral cooperation in various fields have been carrying on smoothly. She also pledged that Nepal sticks to the one-China policy and will never allow any anti-China activities taking place on Nepalese soil.

Wang Yang pledged that China will work together with Nepal to implement the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepalese leaders, maintain close high-level contacts and strengthen political mutual trust.

He also promised that China will work together with Nepal to intensify bilateral pragmatic cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen interconnection and intercommunication, maintain close coordination in international and regional affairs as as to push forward the traditional friendly ties.