Chinese top political advisor pledges closer ties with Nepal

BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Monday vowed to boost ties with its neighbor Nepal as Nepal's opposition party chief visits Beijing.

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), shakes hands with Chairman of  Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Prachanda in Beijing, capital of  China, Oct. 12, 2009.(Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

"Your visit to China will have positive and far-reaching impact on relations between the two countries as well as relations between the two parties," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Jia made the remarks while meeting with Prachanda, chairman of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (UCPN-M). Jia is also member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau.

The relationship between China and Nepal has developed healthily with joint efforts of both sides since they established diplomatic ties, said Jia, adding that the two countries set an example for treating each other on an equal foot, friendly co-existence and mutually-beneficiary cooperation.

Jia appreciated Nepal's firm support on issues concerning China's core interests, saying China hopes relevant parties in Nepal could advance peace process.

China is willing to work with Nepal in deepening substantial cooperation, enhancing party-to-party communication and pushing forward China-Nepal neighborly partnership, Jia said.

Prachanda spoke highly of China's foreign policy of independence and peace, saying his party would support the efforts China has made to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The UCPN-M will learn from the CPC's experience in governance through inter-party exchanges to make joint contribution to our traditional friendship, he said.