King Gyanendra and Queen Komal will leave for Beijing on July 9 to pay a state visit to China, Nepal’s northern neighbour at the invitation of Chinese President Jiang Zemin, an official announcement said.

This is the King’s second foreign visit after his accession to the throne. He visited India, Nepal’s southern neighbour recently, which was instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties.

Nepal has always maintained equidistance with both its neighbours and adopted a non-aligned foreign policy that emphasizes bilateral relations on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual cooperation.

Their Majesties the King and Queen will be accompanied by Princess Prerana. The Princess had accompanied her parents during their state visit to India also.

Minister for Health Sharat Singh Bhandari will also be a part of the Royal entourage.

Their Majesties will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the great hall of the people in Beijing by Jiang Zemin, President of the People’s Republic of China. Later a meeting of the two heads of state will take place in the great hall of the people.

The President will host a state banquet in honour of Their Majesties the same evening. While in Beijing, the King will receive in audience senior leaders of China. Their Majesties the King and Queen will grace a luncheon hosted in their honour by Rajeswar Acharya, Royal Nepalese Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.

Other Programmes in Beijing include visits to science and technology centers.

On July 11, Their Majesties will leave Beijing for Dalian city where they will grace a dinner hosted in their honour by the Governor of Liaoning Province. While in Dalian, they will visit a Tourism Promotion Center and the Dalian Policewomen Training base.

On July 13, Their Majesties will visit the Three Gorges Project in Yichang, Hubei Province. Their Majesties will reach Shanghai the same evening. Their Majesties will grace a dinner hosted in their honour by the Mayor of Shanghai on July 14.

Other programmes in Shanghai include visits to the old city of Jhujiajio as well as Pudopng and Urban Planning Exhibition Center.

Their Majesties will leave Shanghai for Hong Kong on July 15 and are scheduled to return home on July 18.