Chinese ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong has said that China-Nepal bilateral relations have developed steadily with deepened cooperation in politics, economy, trade and culture.

Addressing an event hosted by Embassy of China to mark the Chinese Tibetan Losar, Yu said that the continuous development of bilateral relations would not be possible without the support and contribution of Tibetan compatriots in Nepal.

“I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to thank all of you and look forward for your non-stop efforts in the development of bilateral relations between two countries,” Yu said, addressing the ceremony.

According to Yu, Tibet enjoyed economic development, social stability and ethnic solidarity, with the gross production in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) reaching 114.8 billion Yuan in 2016, representing an increase of 11.5 percent over the previous year, a double digit growth rate for the 24th year in a row.

Yu added that the first train that connects Guangdong province, Tibet, and Middle-South Asia has opened, starting from Guangzhou, via Lhasa, Kerung to Kathmandu, covering a total length of 6070 km, becoming a  highway-railway combined transport channel that links Guangdong, Tibet and Nepal.

“The success of the inaugural flight of Himalaya Airlines, co-funded by Tibet Airlines and Nepal, opened a new page for Tibet Airlines in its path of entering the international market,” Yu said. “It is our common aspiration and responsibility to maintain the stability and unity of Tibet and to realise the prosperity and progress.”

The two-day program that opened on Thursday will be attended by Vice President Nanda Kishor Pun today. The event on Thursday featured a cultural show displaying the culture and tradition of TAR.    

All photos: Prakash Chandra Timilsena