China, Nepal pledge closer cooperation for common development

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) talks with Nepalese Prime Minister K. P. Oli during the signing ceremony of bilateral cooperation documents in Beijing, capital of China, March 21, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hailing China's support for Nepal's independence and development as well as the neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, Oli said his country looks forward to benefiting from China's peaceful development and will actively participate in China's "Belt and Road" initiative.

Nepal hopes to expand cooperation with China on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, finance, trans-border trade, tourism and education to advance the bilateral relationship in a sustained way, said the prime minister.

After their talks, Li and Oli witnessed the signing of a string of cooperation documents, involving areas such as transport, trade, energy and finance.

Prior to the talks, Li held a red-carpet ceremony to welcome the visiting prime minister. Later this week, Oli will attend the annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia in China's southern province of Hainan.

During Oli's visit, China and Nepal will issue a joint statement later.