We are with you in every step: Yang Says, it’s a ‘handshake over the Himalayas,’ friendship here to stay, cooperation here to roll

KATHMANDU, JUN 26 -
Stressing that China remains a long-term partner in Nepal’s political stability and prosperity, visiting State Councillor of China Yang Jiechi on Tuesday said China is with the Nepali people in every step they take and is keen to see them share China’s prosperity.

“I thank you Acting President Jha, and all our distinguished friends from all parties for your presence, for your excellent friendship. It is a handshake over the Himalayas…An embrace over the Himalayas…Our friendship is here to stay and our cooperation is here to roll from Day 1, Day 2 and to eternity,” Yang said.

Wrapping up his third visit to Nepal, he said, “I am here to tell our Nepali friends that China is with you in every step of your way.” He was addressing a huge gathering at Hotel Soaltee after opening the China-aided Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project on Tuesday.

Vice President Paramananda Jha thanked the Chinese side for its long-term assistance to Nepal.

Top leaders of major political parties, government ministers, senior bureaucrats, chiefs of security agencies, business leaders and members of think tanks were present while Yang concluded his two-day Nepal visit. The visit saw the signing of two agreements for the establishment of the Nepal National Armed Police Force Academy at Matatirtha in Kathmandu and for logistical support for the Election Commission for the upcoming elections.

however, it was the Ring Road project that got most political attention from the Chinese side, which saw it a milestone in Sino-Nepali ties. Started in 1978, the 27-km Ring Road is Nepal’s first four-lane road and one of the country’s major infrastructure projects. Delivering his speech eloquently in English, Yang described Nepal-China bilateral relations as a “comprehensive cooperative partnership...which is time-tested and age-old.”

“The famous Nepali architect Araniko built the fantastic white pagoda in Beijing a long time ago and it is still tall and high,” he said, stressing on the symbolism of the 13th century work of art as the long-lasting friendship between the two countries.

“Yet I believe that we are now at another turning point of our friendship and cooperation. We have successfully convened the 18th party congress and there is a change of government in China. But what has not changed is the deep solid, friendship, and cooperation between China and Nepal,” Yang said.

“Our President Xi Jinping has said very firmly that we want this cooperative and comprehensive partnership to continue to develop for a long time to come and to rise to a new height,” he said.

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