Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced immediate start of feasibility study of Nepal-China trans-Himalaya railways.
"We will start feasibility study of Nepal-China trans-Himalaya railways," Xi said addressing the state banquet organized by President Bidya Devi Bhandari in his honor. "We will be active in moving forward the Kathmandu-Kerung tunnel way. We will upgrade the Arniko Highway in different stages and bring it into operation."
He expressed commitment to bring into operation as many border points as possible to build multi-dimensional connectivity network between the two countries. "We will help in the Nepali dream of transforming into a land-linked country from a land-locked one," he stressed. "I hope this will foster better understanding between the people of two countries."
He earlier announced a support of 3.5 billion RMB (around US$ 493.50 million) to be provided between 2020 to 2022 for uplifting the living standard of the Nepali people during the bilateral talks with President Bhandari at Sheetal Niwas.
Xi said that he saw sincere smile on the faces of the Nepali people and felt the friendship from the deep of their heart toward the Chinese people, adding that he felt once again that the China-Nepal friendship enjoys broad consensus and solid foundation in Nepal.
The two peoples have shared weal and woe, and set an example of friendly exchanges between neighboring countries, said Xi, adding that he hopes to carry forward the traditional friendship and take the bilateral relationship to a new and higher level via the visit.
Xi called on the two sides to consolidate the political foundation of bilateral ties, and set the building of a community with a shared future as a long-term goal for the development of China-Nepal relations.
The Chinese president appreciated Nepal's firm adherence to the one-China policy, saying that China will as always support Nepal in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two sides should build an all-round cooperation pattern, carry out the construction of a trans-Himalayan connectivity network, and expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, Xi said.
Noting that China just celebrated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Xi said that China will continue to deepen reform and expand opening-up so as to advance high-quality development.
A stable, open and prosperous China will always be a development opportunity for Nepal and the rest of the world, the Chinese leader added.
