China ready to boost cooperation with Nepal
Xi tells visiting Nepalese PM as both countries sign key agreements for infrastructure projects
China is ready to bolster its ties with landlocked Nepal in infrastructure connectivity, trade and investment under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, President Xi Jinping on Wednesday assured Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.
China and Nepal signed eight key agreements for developing major infrastructure projects in the Himalayan nation to further deepen the bilateral ties, Nepal's Foreign Ministry said.
President Xi congratulated Nepal for achieving political stability and outlining economic development priorities and assured China's full support and cooperation in realising Nepal's development goals, the statement said.
China has been investing heavily in Nepal in the last few years to enhance connectivity and infrastructure.
"China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Nepal in infrastructure connectivity, post-disaster reconstruction, trade and investment under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative," Xi was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.
Xi said China was committed to keep intact the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nepal, the Kathmandu Post reported.
During the meeting, Xi expressed gratitude towards Nepal for maintaining the 'One China' policy and not allowing anti-China activities on Nepalese territory, it said.
Oli, who arrived here on Tuesday on his first official visit to China since his re-election, witnessed the signing of the agreements at the Nepal Embassy.