Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari of Nepal

On April 29, 2019, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari of Nepal at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Nepal, linked by mountains and rivers, have enjoyed ever-lasting friendship. The two peoples have close bonds and have gone through thick and thin together. The Chinese side highly values the development of bilateral relations, and supports the Nepalese side’s efforts in safeguarding national independence, sovereign and territorial integrity, and in exploring a development path suited to Nepal's own conditions. He expressed appreciation for the Nepalese side's long-time firm support on issues related to China's core interests and major concerns, and Nepal's active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. China and Nepal should strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction, and continue to advance the construction of China-Nepal cross-border economic cooperation zone. The Chinese side is willing to continue to support Nepal's economic and social development. The two countries should further intensify exchanges between legislative institutions, political parties, youth, think tanks and media and exchanges at sub-national level, consolidate public support for China-Nepal friendship, and advance China-Nepal friendly cooperative relations to a new level.

Bidhya Devi Bhandari congratulated the Chinese side on successfully hosting the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative is a historic initiative with important influence on the world, and is also a good platform for Nepal-China cooperation. Congratulating the People’s Republic of China on the 70th anniversary of its founding, Bidhya Devi Bhandari said that the achievements the Chinese people have made under the leadership of the Communist Party of China are admirable. China is Nepal’s true friend. The two countries share close historical, geographical and cultural bonds and pursue the five principles of peaceful co-existence. China's prosperity and stability present opportunities to Nepal. Nepal adheres to the one-China policy, and Nepal will not allow any forces to engage in anti-China activities by using the territory of Nepal. The Nepalese side thanks the Chinese side for unconditionally supporting Nepal in safeguarding national stability and national unity, praises China’s a good-neighborly and friendly policy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and stands ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with the Chinese side in various fields.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of relevant bilateral cooperation documents.

Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Bidhya Devi Bhandari at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wu Weihua, Wang Yi, Xia Baolong, He Lifeng and others were present.