Kathmandu: Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, a program on collaboration, partnership, and experience exchange was recently organized between cities with sister city relations in China. The event, jointly organized by the Consulate General of Nepal and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Xizang Autonomous Region, focused on strengthening ties between the two countries. High-level exchanges and agreements have bolstered a friendly and cooperative relationship marked by mutual respect, understanding, and support at both the government and citizen levels since ancient times.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the sister city relations, initiated with Banepa Municipality and Shigatse Municipality in 1999, have reached 25 years. Over this period, sister relations have expanded to include Linchi-Pokhara, Lhasa-Kathmandu, Sannan-Bhaktapur, Karua-Jiri, Nakchu-Tokha, and Shigatse-Bharatpur. This was the first program to include municipalities with sister cities, attended by a delegation led by Dhanraj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, and representatives from various Nepali municipalities and Xizang Autonomous Region prefectures.
Vice Chairman of the Xizang Government Zhao Ping expressed optimism that the program would bring new dimensions to China-Nepal relations, enhancing development and prosperity. Mayor Acharya highlighted the motivating role of Chinese development assistance and empathy toward Nepal, emphasizing that Nepal can learn from China’s vision and political commitment to achieving development goals.
Chief Secretary of Bagmati Province Bhupal Baral stressed the importance of cooperation in tourism, culture, education, trade, and technology. Laxmi Prasad Niraula, Nepali Consul General, committed to strengthening sister city relations and acknowledged Xizang and China’s longstanding support in Nepal’s socio-economic development. A letter of intent was signed between Dhulikhel and Ali Prefecture to establish sister city relations.
Meanwhile, marking the 60th anniversary of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, a 15-member delegation from various countries visited Xinjiang to observe its rapid socio-economic development. The region, spanning 1.2 million square kilometers, is home to over 50 ethnic groups living in harmony. Cheng Fong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of regional ethnic autonomy and development under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
The China Xizang Trans-Himalayan Forum of Entrepreneurs, held in Linzhi, highlighted the region’s unique identity and developments over the past 60 years. The forum, established in 2018, aims to unite Trans-Himalayan nations while maintaining ecological balance and cultural preservation. Nepali Ambassador to China Krishna Prasad Oli expressed gratitude for Chinese support and emphasized the forum’s role in aiding Nepal and other developing countries on their development journeys.