China, Nepal vow to enhance defense cooperation

KATHMANDU -- Deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission Sun Jianguo and Nepal's Defense Minister Bhim Rawal pledged to enhance defense cooperation between the two countries on Monday, a senior government official said.

"The two sides exchanged views on various matters relating to strengthen defense cooperation," Secretary at the ministry Mahesh Dahal told media.

During the meeting held at the Nepal's Defense Ministry in Kathmandu, Admiral Sun said that China wants to see political stability and economic prosperity in Nepal, according to Secretary Dahal. He also praised Nepal's adherence to the one-China policy.

Defense Minister Rawal expressed gratitude for China's incessant support to Nepal, stressing on the implementation of the agreements reached between the two governments during Prime Minister K.P Sharma Oli's visit to China in March.

"China has remained our friendly neighbor. Our relationship with China has remained trouble-free all the time. The minister reiterated Nepal's one-China policy and said we will not allow any anti-Chinese activities inside our territory," the defense secretary said.

Stating that Nepal has marched toward a new era after promulgation of the new Constitution in September last year, the minister expected China's continual support in the days to come, particularly in socio-economic development of the country.

On the occasion, the Nepalese defence minister thanked the Chinese People's Liberation Army's extensive support in rescue and relief operation in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that jolted Nepal on April 25 last year, which left around 9,000 people killed.

"We would like to express gratitude to the people and government of China for their enormous support and goodwill to us in the aftermath of the earthquake and the post-earthquake reconstruction process," the minister said.

Sun arrived Monday for a four-day official visit. During his stay, he will also call on Nepalese Chief of the Army Staff Rajendra Chhetri.