Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said Chinese assistance was significant for Nepal’s economic prosperity. Nepal-China cooperation is a pillar of infrastructure building in Nepal, Shrestha added.
DPM Shrestha said it during a ‘Silk Road Youth Forum’ organized by Silk Road International Think Tank Exchange Centre, the Sino-Nepal Media Society, and the World Sinology Centre, Beijing Language and Culture University in Kathmandu today.
Construction of roads, bridges and energy projects has not only enhanced Nepal-China connectivity but also fostered regional cooperation and unity, DPM Shrestha said, adding that cultural exchanges are also important mediums to foster bilateral ties.
“Common cultural heritages and age-old traditions are solid foundation to forge understanding,” he reminded.
According to the DPM, socioeconomic relations between Nepal and China for common development are exemplary; it has been beneficial in forwarding initiatives on sustainable development and inclusive growth.
He further observed that China-forwarded ‘Belt and Road Initiatives’ has become a pivotal mechanism to shape south Asia’s economic landscape. BRI has emphasized connectivity, infrastructure development, economic cooperation and exploration of new potential in this region, Shrestha reminded.
According to the DPM, the Nepal-China relations are based on ancient and traditional respect, understanding and cooperation in each other. “China is firm on its assistance to its socio-economic development in Nepal,” he mentioned.
On the occasion, Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Xie Yu, said the Nepal-China relations are based on friendship, mutual trust and strategic partnership.
Similarly, Deputy Mayor at Madhyapur Thimi of Bhaktapur, Bijay Krishna Shrestha, informed that Madhyapur Thimi was eager to welcome Chinese tourists. The city was being developed as a tourist destination, he informed.