GOA (India), Oct 16: President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping has expressed his readiness to visit Nepal at the earliest convenient date.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on the sidelines of the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit in Goa today, the Chinese President shared his readiness to visit Nepal after PM Dahal reiterated invitation to the President to visit Nepal. "I will visit Nepal at a convenient date within this year", the Chinese President said, according to Foreign Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat.
The dates however will be finalized through diplomatic channel between the two countries. On the occasion, matters relating to promoting cooperation for development including infrastructure, connectivity, trade and transit were discussed.
PM Dahal meets President Xi (with photo feature)
Prime Minister Dahal also expressed the commitment on behalf of the Government of Nepal to implement the agreements it signed with the Chinese government in the past, Dr Mahat said.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal also expressed gratitude for the Chinese assistance and goodwill towards Nepal and the Nepali people. He made it clear that Nepal's territory would not be allowed to be used against the interest of any friendly nation, while reiterating Nepal's commitment to one-China policy.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the close and cordial bilateral relations based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence, and to resolve any issues through dialogue.
On the occasion, Chinese President Xi also supported Nepal's proposal to move ahead by further strengthening the tri-lateral relations between neighbors Nepal, China and India.
Commitment was also expressed on behalf of China to add support in the field of agriculture, industry, hydropower and energy development in Nepal, as well as increasing scholarships for Nepali students.
Emphasizing on the need for unity among the countries in the region for effective enforcement of BIMSTEC, President Xi also suggested implementing the new constitution by consolidating internal unity of Nepal, according to Dr Mahat.
The expansion of railway line up to Lumbini of Nepal was also discussed during the meeting that lasted for around 40 minutes.
Foreign Minister Dr Mahat, Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi and Charge d' Affaires at the Embassy of Nepal in India Krishna Prasad Dhakal were present in the meeting. RSS
