Foreign Minister (FM), Ramesh Nath Pandey, has said Nepal-China relationship epitomizes an all-weather relationship that is free from any troubles and irritants.

FM Pandey said this while delivering a speech on ‘Trust-based All-weather Nepal-China Friendship in the 21st Century’ at the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS)- an institute of international repute engaged in research works- in Beijing Wednesday morning, a press release issued by the Royal Nepalese Embassy, Beijing, said.

Highlighting Nepal-China relations, minister Pandey said there is a deep-rooted relationship constantly nurtured by leaders of different times from the both sides. “The two countries have always respected each other’s sovereignty unequivocally”, Pandey said.

The minister said that Nepal had firmly endorsed ‘one-China’ policy in the spirit of good neighbourliness based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. Referring to the ‘peace and progress’ of the Tibet Autonomous Region, he said, “Nepal is determined not to let any anti-China activities in our soil.”

Referring to King Gyanendra’s offer to be a transit point between China and India, he said. “It was because of the long-standing friendship between China and India, Nepal has offered to be a transit point between them,” he said and emphasized importance of the North-South highways across Nepal at all feasible points to make the transit route a success.

About terrorism, the minister expressed the country’s clear stand and said, ‘Nepal condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations irrespective of its locations, perpetrators and motivations’. He condemned the Maoist terrorism in Nepal and said ‘it must be viewed in a purely geo-strategic perspective.’

Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey said Nepal is determined not to allow outsiders to interfere in the country’s internal affairs. “Nepal has now been pressurized by a terrorist group and their supporters and sympathizers to accept outside intervention in its domestic problem.” He did not elaborate.

Members of the diplomatic community, including ambassadors of India, Sri Lanka and several other ASEAN and European ambassadors, senior Chinese officials, professors, research scholars, academicians, journalist and students were present in the program, the statement said.

Nepal and China share a long border of about 1414 Kilometers.

Minister Pandey had left for China Saturday afternoon on an 11-day official visit.