Chinese president meets Nepalese PM on ties, Olympics

Source: Xinhua | 08-24-2008 19:10

BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" here on Sunday to exchange views on bilateral relations and the Beijing Olympic Games scheduled to close on Sunday night.

Hu welcomed the newly-elected prime minister to the Beijing Olympics' closing ceremony and expressed thanks for the support of the Nepalese government and people for the Beijing Games.

Prachanda said the Beijing Games have turned over a new leaf in Olympic history and the Nepalese people feel proud for the Chinese.

China and Nepal are "good neighbors, good friends and good partners", said Hu. "The two countries have established a good neighborly partnership and enjoyed friendship generation upon generation," he added.

The Chinese government respects the social system and path of development chosen independently by the Nepalese and supports Nepal's efforts in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, Hu said.

He added that the Chinese government is ready to continue to provide every possible help in Nepal's economic and social development and promote the long-term and stable development of the Sino-Nepalese good neighborly partnership.

The two countries should maintain close communication and cooperation, in a bid to contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity, the Chinese president said.

Prachanda said his country takes China as a reliable friend and expects more help from the Chinese side in order to achieve permanent peace and promote economic development in Nepal.

He said Nepal is willing to cement cooperation with China and elevate bilateral ties to a new high.

During the meeting, the Chinese president thanked Nepal for adhering to the one-China policy and firmly supporting China on the Tibet issue. Prachanda said Nepal will firmly keep to the one-China policy and will never allow any activity detrimental to China's interests in its territory.

Prachanda was sworn in as Nepal's new prime minister on Aug. 18.

"Mr. Prime Minister has come to the Beijing Olympics' closing ceremony within a week after being sworn in," said Hu. "This fully demonstrates the great attention Nepal attaches to relations with China and its profound friendship with the Chinese people. We highly appreciate that."

Editor:Si Qintu