SATV, Kathmandu, March 28: Premier of China, Li Qiang, has congratulated Balendra Shah on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal.

In a congratulatory message, Premier Li said that China and Nepal are traditional neighboring countries linked by mountains and rivers, enjoying a long-standing friendship. He noted that over the 71 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have developed bilateral ties guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

The Premier of China has also expressed his country's firm support for Nepal’s new government in its governance efforts and reiterated continued backing for Nepal’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, according to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

Premier Li also said he is ready to work closely with Prime Minister Shah to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative and expand high-level cooperation across various sectors. Furthermore, he reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening the China-Nepal friendly strategic cooperative partnership for development and prosperity. (RSS)