Embassy of Nepal marks 62nd anniv. of Nepal-China diplomatic relations

BEIJING, August 1 (APD) - Embassy of Nepal in Beijing hosted a seminar on the theme of ‘Nepal-China Relations for Peace and Prosperity in the Trans-Himalayan Region’ at the embassy premises on Tuesday to mark the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People's Republic of China.

Presenting a paper on the seminar’s theme, Prof. Hu Shisheng of China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) highlighted the fact that two countries settled all their outstanding issues soon after the establishment of bilateral relations and developed exemplary relations over the years.

Prof. Hu said that the strong foundations of Nepal-China relations rest on the five guiding principles of peaceful co-existence, and exhibiting sensitiveness to each other’s core national interests. He emphasized that both Nepal and China can make significant contributions to the peace, stability and prosperity in the trans-Himalayan region in the days to come by harnessing the potentials of water resources, tourism and transit trade.

"We two countries have maintained our relations and built-up our friendship based upon the five guiding principles on peaceful co-existence. We have treated each other equally. And China has provided any aids to Nepal without any conditions," he said.

Prof. Hu who is expert of South Asian Affairs in China said that Nepal and China have mutual respects, and have refused the temptation to get involved into the others’ internal affairs.

"One vivid example is that during the ten years of Maoist-led People’s War period, China had never provided any support to that movement except some appealing to all the parties to negotiate a settlement to end the civil conflicts," he noted.

Welcoming the guests, Nepali Ambassador to China Leela Mani Paudyal shed light on the historical background of Nepal-China relations, and said that the seminar was being held to commemorate the special significance of the day in the bilateral relations, which are marked by profound friendship between the two peoples, and understanding and appreciation of each other's aspirations and sensitivities.

"The age-old and deep-rooted relations have stood the tests of time and have continued to flourish in multiple dimensions," the ambassador said.

Stressing Nepal’s unflinching support to ‘One China’ policy, Ambassador Paudyal said that Nepal is fully committed to its principled stand of not allowing Nepalese territory to be used against China or for separatist activities.

On the occasion, Dr. Chen Xiaochen of the Chongyang Institute of Financial Studies of Renmin University commented on Prof. Hu’s paper.

Prof. Li Xiguang of Tsinghua University also made a separate presentation on the topic, and stressed on the need to tap the huge potentials of Nepal-China relations for mutual benefit.

Ms. Wang Hui, Deputy Director General of CPC Central Commission for Disciplinary Inspection, Prof. Ma Jiali, and Executive Vice-Director of Center for International Strategic Studies, China Reform Forum and Dr. Lu Yang of BRI Institute of Tsinghua University also commented on the subject matter. Sushil K Lamsal, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy extended vote of thanks at the end of the program.

Forty-two representatives from different Chinese government agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and different universities and think tanks participated in the seminar. The Embassy hosted a luncheon at the end of the seminar.

The function was attended by officials from various government organizations, eminent Chinese scholars specializing on Nepal-China relations, Nepal’s consuls in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Lhasa, and media persons.

Nepal and China had formally established diplomatic relations on August 1, 1955.