Today is a special and an important day. We have come from different parts of the world to gather in Kathmandu for the same purpose. That is, to help Nepal’s reconstruction so that this beautiful country can rise again. China and Nepal are connected by the same mountains. We have always been good neighbours, friends and partners. The earthquake that shocked Nepal also caused heavy losses to China’s Tibet. While helping our own people cope with the disaster, China was quick to provide emergency assistance to Nepal. We sent in nearly 1,000 professionals, and some 1,300 tonnes of emergency supplies. Our engineering workers risked their lives to restore traffic on the Araniko Highway. This road has long been a symbol of China-Nepal friendship.

As I recall, when President Xi Jinping met with President Ram Baran Yadav in March during the Boao Forum, President Xi said that the friendship between China and Nepal is ‘as close as lips and teeth’. This earthquake showed our peoples how close we are and how our destinies are bound together.

In my last visit to Nepal six months ago, I was impressed by the country’s dedication to graduating to a developing country by 2022. During that visit, we agreed to step up results-oriented cooperation in nine major areas, including trade, investment and agriculture. The initiatives showed China’s commitment to helping Nepal’s development through mutually beneficial cooperation. Today, we add a tenth and the most urgent area to China-Nepal cooperation. That is, to help Nepal’s post-quake reconstruction. Here, I wish to announce a package proposal on behalf of the Chinese government:

First, between 2016 and 2018, China will give Nepal three billion RMB

yuan of grant assistance. The money will be put into five major areas,

namely, infrastructure, livelihood for people living in mountains, cultural relic renovation, disaster preparedness, and health. The money may

also be used in other areas to be agreed by the two sides. Within the total amount, we will first provide $10

million dollars in cash to help settle local residents.

Second, China will further financial help to Nepal through interest-free loans, concessional loans or the Silk Road Fund to help with reconstruction. Third, Chinese assistance will be aimed at promoting Nepal’s economic and social transformation. We will help Nepal improve industrial layout to achieve sustainable development. Fourth, China will encourage its companies and civil society to actively involve in Nepal’s reconstruction. Fifth, in the coming five years, China will offer Nepal 1,500 training opportunities with a focus on disaster relief. This year, China will invite 100 young Nepalis from quake-hit areas to visit China. Sixth, China’s Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces will engage in deeper cooperation with Nepal in post-quake reconstruction and experience sharing.

Nepal’s reconstruction will be a long and massive task. Its success calls for joint efforts of Nepal and the international community. As Nepal’s friendly neighbour, China is ready to do whatever it can. We believe the reconstruction should be led by Nepal. We will further coordinate and collaborate with other international partners. I am confident that the earthquake will not hold back Nepal’s development, nor will it weaken its people’s dream for progress and prosperity. The people of China will stand with the people of Nepal in this entire process. I am confident that with the help of the international community, Nepal will revive its economy and embark on a path to development.

(This speech was delivered by  Foreign Minister of China,Wang Yi, at the International Donor Conference Nepal’s Reconstruction on June 25, 2015. Tomorrow marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-China ties.)