Nepal deeply values time-tested friendship with China: PM Oli

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Aug 1: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said Nepal-China relations have civilisational roots and cultural closeness and that Nepal deeply values time-tested friendship with China.

PM Oli said so while addressing a reception hosted by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nepal to celebrate teh 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, the neighbours.

"Nepal firmly adheres to the One China Principle. In return, China has consistently respected Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. We deeply value this time-tested friendship—with China as both a close neighbour and a trusted development partner" said PM Oli.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have long anchored our engagement. In times of joy and in moments of difficulty, we have stood by each other. Our bond draws strength from deep civilisational roots and cultural closeness. It is enriched by mutual respect and strengthened by people-to-people ties, said the PM.

Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, shared happiness on the occasion of the 70th anniversary and appreciated Nepal's role in BRI.

Many dignitaries including former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and Jhala Nath Khanal also attended the ceremony.

Full text of the Prime Minister's remark:

Remarks by Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. K P Sharma Oli at the reception hosted by H. E. Mr. Chen Song, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal, on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China.

Kathmandu, 1 August 2025

His Excellency Mr Chen Song

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal

Honourable Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba,

Former Prime minister and President of Nepali Congress

Honourable Ministers,

Leaders of political parties

Excellencies

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Namaste and good evening.

It is both an honour and a pleasure to be with you today as we celebrate a special occasion—the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China. I sincerely thank His Excellency the Ambassador for hosting this meaningful gathering.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Seventy years ago, our two nations embarked on a formal journey of friendship. On this Platinum Jubilee, I extend my warm greetings to our friends in both Nepal and China. This anniversary invites reflection. Over the decades, our relationship has grown stronger, grounded in mutual trust and guided by shared values.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have long anchored our engagement. In times of joy and in moments of difficulty, we have stood by each other.

Our bond draws strength from deep civilisational roots and cultural closeness. It is enriched by mutual respect and strengthened by people-to-people ties.

Nepal firmly adheres to the One China Principle. In return, China has consistently respected Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. We deeply value this time-tested friendship—with China as both a close neighbour and a trusted development partner.

There have been many milestones along this journey.

The state visit of His Excellency President Xi Jinping to Nepal in 2019 was historic. It elevated our bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, Featuring Ever-lasting Friendship for Development and Prosperity.

I also fondly recall my own official visit to China in December 2024. During that visit, I held meaningful discussions with senior Chinese leaders.

Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to deepen our cooperation. The signing of the Belt and Road Cooperation Framework reflected our shared resolve to enhance connectivity and partnership.

China’s support in infrastructure and connectivity has played a vital role in helping Nepal overcome its geographic constraints.

Our collaboration continues to expand—in agriculture, trade, transit, energy, health, digital technology, and climate resilience—unlocking new possibilities for progress.

As the world confronts a growing climate crisis, Nepal welcomes deeper cooperation with China to protect our shared Himalayas and fragile ecosystems.

The first-ever Sagarmatha Sambaad, held earlier this year, marked a step forward in this direction. The recent flash floods in the Lhende (ल्हेन्दे) River caused heavy destruction on both sides of our border. It reminds us of the urgent need for joint efforts in disaster preparedness, early warning, and sustainable mountain development.

We also recognise and commend China’s remarkable achievements in national rejuvenation. Its success in lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty, and its rise as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation, is truly inspiring.

These achievements benefit not only China, but also contribute to regional stability and global progress.

They resonate deeply with Nepal’s own national aspiration: “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.”

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

In an uncertain world, the enduring friendship between Nepal and China stands as a symbol of stability, solidarity, and shared hope.

We look forward to building further on this strong foundation—by expanding cooperation, deepening connections, and forging new paths for mutual benefit.

Let us walk this journey together, with trust and goodwill.

May the friendship between Nepal and China continue to grow—stronger, deeper, and ever more meaningful in the years to come.                                  

Thank you.