– By Sun Heping
Sun Heping (Photo source : chinaembassy.org.np)
Sun Heping (Photo source : chinaembassy.org.np)
Today, we are very happy to get together here to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal. First of all, I would like to thank Rt. Honorable Mr. Bista for gracing this function as chief guest. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all the friends who have been constantly making contributions to the development of bilateral relations over the past half century and thanks to other friends who have good wish for the further development of China-Nepal friendship.
China and Nepal are amicable neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and the two peoples enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges. Since the diplomatic relations between China and Nepal was established in 1955, the development of bilateral relations has entered a new stage. The high level mutual visits are frequent, and bilateral cooperation in various fields has been dramatically widened and strengthened. No matter what has changed in international or internal situation, China-Nepal friendly cooperative relations always remain intact. There is no outstanding problem but friendship and cooperation between us. Nowadays, mutual understanding, mutual respect, mutual trust and treating each other equally have become salient characters of China-Nepal relations.
This year marks the Golden Jubilee of our diplomatic relations. A series of celebrating activities have already commenced since the beginning of the year. The meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and His Majesty King Gyanendra in Jakarta, King’s presence in the annual conference of Bo’ ao Forum for Asia in China in April and Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit to Nepal in March added more significance to this special year. Also in this connection, we have organized the China Festival 2005 in Kathmandu, and the local friendly organizations like FNCCI, Nepal-China Executive Council, China Study Center, Institute of Foreign Affairs, and World Culture Net also held various kinds of celebrating functions. I am sure that all these high level exchanges and friendly activities will further promote the bilateral understanding and friendship both at the official and people-to-people level.
We are glad to see that the endeavor for the improvement of security situation here has been moving forward in the last couple of months and hope that this is sustained by a strong realization to restore peace and stability in Nepal at an early date. A stable and prosperous Nepal is not only in the interests of Nepal, but also conducive to the peace and stability of countries in the region, including China.
Bordering with China’s Tibet, Nepal is a very important neighbor of China. It is set policy of China to further strengthen friendly relations and cooperation with Nepal in all fields. We will continue to be Nepal’s good neighbor, good friend and good partner. At last, I would like to propose a toast to:
The ever-lasting China-Nepal friendship!
The peace, stability and prosperity of the Kingdom of Nepal and well-being of its people! Cheers!