Cooperation with Nepal reaches new heights

President Xi Jinping's visit to Nepal was the first visit by a Chinese president in 23 years. However, the wait proved fruitful as the two sides issued a joint statement and signed 20 cooperation documents.

Xi's visit saw the bilateral relationship elevated to the level of a strategic partnership of cooperation. This higher status charts the course for the future development of their relationship and gives Nepal greater influence in the region.

His visit also saw new progress made in connectivity. Both sides agreed to create synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative and Nepal's national policy of developing a land-linked state, and they agreed to advance the construction of a trans-Himalayan multidimensional connectivity network featuring ports, highways, railways, aviation and communication.