Xi extends hand of friendship

Protecting common interests with Nepal

President Xi Jinping called for China and Nepal to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies, and work together to enhance multilateral coordination to safeguard their common interests, as well as those of developing countries.

Xi made the remarks on Saturday, during a meeting with Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, who is currently on an eight-day official visit to China and in Hangzhou to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games.

Xi said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 68 years ago, China and Nepal have upheld the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, setting a good example for big and small countries treating each other as equals and pursuing win-win cooperation.

He said that China and Nepal see each other as partners, taking opportunities on the path toward national development and prosperity.

Xi emphasized the need for both countries to understand and support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns in order to constantly consolidate the political foundation of the countries' relations.

Noting that the cooperation between the two countries in the building of the Belt and Road has secured positive achievements, Xi called for joint efforts to further promote mutual connectivity and expand partnership in cross-border transportation.

The prime minister said that Nepal and China are friends and partners who understand, count on and support each other.

He said Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China policy. Taiwan and Tibet are inalienable parts of the Chinese territory, and Nepal will not allow any forces to take advantage of its territory to undermine China's sovereignty and security, he said, adding that Nepal's position on such matters remains firm and unshakable.