Minister Gurung highlights China’s support to Nepal

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 27: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has said that the Chinese government has been continuously supporting Nepal in various sectors, including hydropower development, road infrastructure construction, post-earthquake reconstruction, capacity building of civil servants, education, health, information technology development and disaster management.

Speaking at the 3rd China-Nepal Media Summit organised by SATV on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China on Thursday, Minister Gurung said, “Since ancient times, China has been an important trade partner for Nepal. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China, China has made remarkable strides in the fields of economy, society, culture, science and communication and information technology, establishing itself as a leading global economy.”

Although formal diplomatic relations between Nepal and China were established in 1955, the two countries share centuries-old historical, religious, cultural, economic and social ties, he said.

“Today, our relationship is further strengthened, based on the principles of equality, sovereignty, and mutual benefit. From collaboration in infrastructure and technology to cultural and educational exchanges, our relationship continues to grow across various sectors,” Minister Gurung said.

He said, “We are all aware that high-level visits and exchanges between the heads of state of both countries regularly occur, further enhancing the centuries-old friendship between Nepal and China. We hope that this momentum will continue to accelerate in the days ahead.”

He said that advancing significant projects such as the Nepal-China Transnational Railway and the Kerung-Kathmandu-Lumbini Railway, with China’s support, would add a new dimension to Nepal’s prosperity. Minister Gurung also said that the Government of Nepal views China’s proposed ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative positively.

Speaking at the programme, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, highlighted China’s success in winning the largest poverty alleviation battle in human history, with nearly 100 million rural poor lifted out of poverty. The country’s GDP grew from 54 trillion yuan in 2012 to 121 trillion yuan in 2022, he added.

He said, “The relationship between Nepal and China is deeply rooted, shaped by mountains and rivers, and has endured for centuries. Under the joint leadership of the leaders of both countries, cooperation under the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ between Nepal and China continues to yield positive results, and the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network has already begun to take shape,” he said.

He also stated that the third plenary session of the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China introduced reforms presenting many positive aspects for neighbouring countries like Nepal. These include gradually expanding China’s markets for goods, services, capital, and labour, he added.

 Hou Zhihong, the owner of SATV, remarked that China and Nepal are friendly neighbours, connected by mountains and rivers, with a long history of friendship between their peoples. 

He said that the theme of the China-Nepal Media Summit, “Deepen media cooperation and create a better future,” aims to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the media of both countries, jointly tell the story of China-Nepal friendship, and strongly contribute to the development of bilateral relations.

Kishor Shrestha, Chairman of the Nepal-China Media Forum, said that this year marks the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 69th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. “Despite the challenges, we are coming together to strengthen our ties. The conclusions drawn from this conference will help enhance communication, cooperation, partnership, and coordination, and foster a friendly communication relationship between the two countries,” he said.