Kathmandu, April 23: The Chinese Embassy in Nepal organized a folk culture and musical travelogue titled “Voice of Spring: Travelling Across Inner Mongolia with Songs” in Kathmandu on Wednesday evening, attended by high-profile dignitaries from Nepal and members of the Chinese diaspora.
Before the program’s opening, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle delivered a keynote address on Nepal–China relations, highlighting the government’s top priority of achieving shared prosperity through Chinese investment in Nepal and strengthened cultural exchanges.
Minister Dr Wagle pledged that government would not allow use of Nepali territory against its neighbours. Nepal has regarded China as a credible development partner and highly prioritised friendship with China, he added. He also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its continued assistance to Nepal’s socio-economic developments.
He expressed belief that Nepal-China relations would be strengthened further in the days ahead. Dr. Wagle expressed confidence that Nepal–China relations would grow stronger and highlighted various geographical and cultural similarities between the two countries. He noted that the cultural richness of Inner Mongolia is significant for bilateral cultural exchange.
Appreciating China’s support in transforming Nepal from a landlocked to a land-linked country, based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the Finance Minister Dr Wagle said Nepal seeks to learn from China’s development achievements.
“Our party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has included in its manifesto the need for Nepal to learn from China’s prosperity and move forward on the path of economic growth,” he said.
He described Chinese assistance in Nepal’s infrastructure development as invaluable, citing projects such as the Ring Road and its expansion, the Kerung–Kathmandu road, feasibility studies for a railway, Madan Bhandari University, and the Civil Service Hospital.
He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Chinese side to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, including the establishment of Chinese banks in Nepal, agriculture, and tourism. He added that the current government is committed to governance, economic growth, and prosperity with strong determination for overall national development.
National Assembly Vice Chairperson Leela Kumari Bhandari reaffirmed Nepal’s full commitment to the One-China policy and stressed the need to elevate bilateral relations based on the Panchsheel principles to new heights.
She expressed gratitude for the continued support from China as a dependable development partner and noted with satisfaction that the seven-decade-long Nepal–China relationship has deepened across economic, social, and cultural sectors.
Ambassador of China to Nepal, Zhang Maoming, said he was enchanted with Nepali culture and natural beauty. He vowed further strengthening of China-Nepal relations and cooperation. He thanked the Government of Nepal and its people for their friendship and cooperation, stating that he has been deeply impressed by Nepal’s culture and natural beauty.
He expressed commitment to making the China–Nepal strategic partnership enduring and highlighted China’s willingness to further support Nepal’s development efforts through the Belt and Road Initiative. He also noted that China’s recently approved 15th Five-Year Plan would benefit not only China’s development but also that of neighboring countries.
Reaffirming efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties, he pledged to implement past agreements and understandings.
On the occasion, artists from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region performed folk culture and musical presentations.
Members of the Council of Ministers, former prime ministers, leaders of various political parties, former speakers, heads and officials of diplomatic missions, media persons, Chinese nationals residing in Nepal, and other distinguished members of society attended the program. #nepal #china
