Tang Jiaxuan
Visiting state councilor of China, Tang Jiaxuan, has said that China is in favour of unity among Nepal’s constitutional forces in order to resolve the present crisis.
In his speech during a joint reception organised by the China Study Centre and the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu on Friday, councilor Tang said that he sincerely hoped that all constitutional forces in Nepal would come closer in the best interest of the country and the people and “seek to appropriately settle the current difficulties and problems through dialogues, upholding Nepal’s independence, sovereignty and national unity.”
Stating that to achieve the goal of promoting social and economic development and improving life for its people is crucial for a country, the Chinese delegate said, “Nepal with peace, reconciliation and amity, enjoying stability, development and prosperity serves the fundamental interest of its people and will promote regional peace, stability and development.”
Tang expressed satisfaction over the decision of the SAARC to grant observer status to China. He said, “We welcome the recent SAARC summit’s decision to accept China as an observer into the organisation. China is ready to establish formal ties with the SAARC at an early date and enter into cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, thus contributing to the regional cooperation and development.”
Being one of the major donors of Nepal, China’s development will bring more opportunities to Nepal and promote the common development of two countries, he believed. “We look forward to working with Nepal to make greater contribution to world peace, stability and prosperity through our own development,” he added.
He lauded the friendly relations between both the countries since ancient times and expressed commitment to assist Nepal in its effort to safeguard sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
“Nepal is a sovereign country and its internal affairs shall not be interfered anyway by any outside forces,” Tang said, adding, “We believe that the Nepalese government and people have the political wisdom and the capability to solve their own problems.”
Unlike other countries, China has described the February 1 royal takeover of last year as an internal affair of Nepal.
Tang also appreciated Nepal’s support to China over the issue of Taiwan and Tibet as well as other major issues related to Chinese sovereign rights and interests.
“The Chinese government will continue to pursue a policy of friendship towards Nepal and give high importance in developing comprehensive and friendly relations with Nepal,” he added.
Earlier, Tang called on Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Talking to journalists after the meeting, Foreign Minister Pandey informed that issues of bilateral interest were discussed during the meeting.
Likewise, Tang also separately called on president of Nepali Congress (NC), Girija Prasad Koirala, president of NC (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (UML) leaders Amrit Kumar Bohara and Bharat Mohan Adhikari.
Talking to journalists after the meeting, leaders said the current political situation of the country and issues of bilateral interest were discussed during the meetings. The Chinese government is aware of the aspiration of Nepali people, they maintained.
The top Chinese delegate, who arrived in Nepal on Thursday, held meetings with cabinet vice-chairmen duo Dr Tulsi Giri and Kriti Nidhi Bista on Thursday.
His Majesty King Gyanendra is also scheduled to grant audience to Tang.