KATHMANDU: Speaker Devraj Ghimire met with Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau member and Chongqing City Committee Secretary Yuan Jiajun during his visit to Nepal.

In the meeting held in Kathmandu on Monday, they discussed bilateral relations, including economic, commercial, political, social, and religious issues.

Speaker Ghimire expressed his gratitude to China for valuing Nepal by undertaking high-level visits. He emphasized that such political exchanges would contribute to Nepal’s development and prosperity, especially after President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2019.

Ghimire highlighted Nepal’s progress in stability, development, and the institutionalization of the constitution. He also emphasized the significance of the Transit Agreement and the development of the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung railway line, which was initiated by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Speaking about the historic ties between China and Nepal, Ghimire noted that both countries have a long history of harmonious relations connected through mountains, rivers, religion, and culture.

He praised China’s role in Nepal’s tourism industry, with a significant portion of tourists visiting from China.

During the meeting, Chinese leader Yuan Jiajun conveyed President Xi Jinping’s instructions and expressed China’s commitment to assisting Nepal in becoming self-sufficient in food. As a gesture of support, Yuan Jiajun announced an aid of 8 million Yuan, equivalent to 140 million Nepali rupees.

The Chinese leader also extended an invitation to Speaker Ghimire to visit China.

As a testament to the friendship between the two nations, Speaker Ghimire and leader Jiajun jointly inaugurated a language lab at LRI School Kalanki during their visit.

Speaker Ghimire praised China as a reliable development partner for Nepal, and the leaders expressed their optimism for further strengthening ties between the two countries.