China's development brings opportunities for neighbors
We hope that the more China grows, the more opportunities developing countries will get to benefit from China's prosperity. China would be able to further contribute to the development efforts of these countries through development cooperation, investment, humanitarian cooperation during disasters, technology transfer, trade facilitation, and by giving them access to the vast Chinese market for their products.
China's cooperation during pandemics like COVID-19 is even more important. At a time when the global financial market is facing a crisis, many are turning to China for resources needed by the developing countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. In the coming days, China's role in development partnership could be even more important.
Similarly, China's important achievements in science and technology are praiseworthy. I would like to congratulate Chinese comrades and scientists for successful launch of the independent mission to Mars, and their success in collecting rocks from the moon. China has also been able to create world-class high-tech industries from 5G to artificial intelligence to biotechnology and quantum computing. Even amid the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese economy bounced back in 2020.
As a friendly and close neighbor, Nepal highly appreciates China's unprecedented development, extends best wishes for its further development, and expresses confidence that China will succeed in achieving the Two Centenary Goals and national rejuvenation promised by the Communist Party of China.
Nepal and China have been enjoying close, cooperative and cordial relations since antiquity. Our two countries have remained close neighbors, all-weather friends and trusted partners. Nepal-China relations are deeply rooted in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, mutual respect and understanding, friendship, equality and appreciation of each other's interests, concerns and sensitivities. We don't have any outstanding issues. This problem-free relationship is, indeed, a model relationship between two neighboring countries.
Nepal accords high priority to its relations with China. It has always supported the one-China policy. We are steadfast in our policy and commitment to not allow any activity against China on our soil. We appreciate China's unconditional respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, national unity and stability of Nepal. We equally commend the good neighborhood policy of China.
China has been consistently supporting and assisting Nepal to complement its socioeconomic development endeavors. We appreciate the government of China's continued development support and cooperation, and express confidence that Chinese investment and cooperation will continue to grow in the years to come.
Nepal is keen on an early conclusion of the Belt and Road Initiative Implementation Plan for advancing various projects related to rail, road, tunnel, infrastructure development, energy and connectivity within the overarching framework of Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network. This framework will help Nepal to transform into a land-linked country from a land-locked country and to enhance its international trade.
Nepal and China have been closely cooperating and collaborating in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic since the days of its outbreak. China has provided 1.8 million doses of vaccines and other medical equipment, materials and supplies for Nepal since the outbreak of the pandemic.
And we welcome and support the policy of China to "build a global community of health for all" for ensuring that no individual and state is left behind in these critically challenging times.
The author is Nepali foreign minister. This is an excerpt from his recent speech at the virtual seminar, "Marking 100 years of the Communist Party of China: Innovation and Resilience", co-held by the Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding, Peking University, and the Nepal Institute of International and Strategic Studies.
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
