Nepal and Wen witnessed the signing of the agreements by Deputy and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala and her Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi at a special ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.
As per the agreement on economic cooperation, China has pledged to increase its annual financial assistance to Nepal from 100 million Yuan to 150 million Yuan (approximately Rs 1.5 billion).
Chinese Prime Minister Wen said that he would take measures to promote export of Nepali products to China and encourage Chinese firms to participate in Nepal´s infrastructure construction, according to Xinhua.
Earlier, Nepal and Wen had held an hour long talks on bilateral issues following a red-carpet ceremony for PM Nepal. Nepal reached Beijing on Monday via Lhasa for talks and meetings with Chinese leaders.
During the meeting, PM Nepal reiterated that Nepal would adhere to the "one-China policy and believe Taiwan and Tibet are inalienable parts of the Chinese territory". He assured Wen that Nepal would never allow anti-China activities in Nepal´s soil.
Chinese Prime Minister Wen hailed the sound development of bilateral ties since Nepal and China forged diplomatic ties 54 years ago, saying the two neighbors have become good neighbors, friends and partners, reported Xinhua.
“Under the new circumstances, it is in the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples to consolidate traditional friendship and deepen comprehensive cooperation,” Xinhua quoted Chinese Prime Minister Wen as saying.
The Chinese prime minister further said that China respects the social system and development path chosen by the Nepali people, firmly supports the efforts Nepal has made to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will continue to provide assistance for Nepal´s social and economic development.
Similarly, PM Nepal appreciated China´s long-term assistance. He also requested for Chinese assistance to establish a tourism center in China, expecting that such a move would increase the number of Chinese tourists to Nepal. PM´s foreign affairs advisor Rajan Bhattarai told myrepublica.com that Chinese Prime Minister Wen was positive about the request.
Similarly, China also agreed to provide training to human resources and transfer technology for the development of Nepal´s agriculture sector.
Nepal also requested China to provide one billion Yuan loan at a low interest rate. Though no formal agreement in this regard was reached, officials said that China is positive about Nepal´s request.
Bhattarai said that China is also positive about Nepal´s request for zero tariff on the export of 497 goods from Nepal.
Nepal is due to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo on Wednesday and then fly to China´s financial hub Shanghai, the last leg of his visit.
Prez´s China visit finalized
The first ever visit of President Dr Ram Baran Yadav to China has also been finalized. He is visiting China in March, following his visit to India. Yadav is visiting India on February 16.
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