Update: Xi calls for advancing strategic partnership of cooperation with Nepal

BEIJING, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli here on Tuesday, pledging efforts to advance strategic partnership of cooperation with Nepal.

Expressing appreciation for Oli's firm commitment to promoting friendship between the two sides over a long period of time, Xi said China and Nepal, linked by the same mountains and rivers, are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, and bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady development.

Noting that next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Xi said China places Nepal at an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy, and is willing to work with Nepal to consolidate traditional friendship and push for new progress in advancing the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity. ■