KATHMANDU - China and Nepal pledged to further relations as Premier Wen Jiabao wrapped up an official visit to the Himalayan nation on Saturday.

"My trip is aimed at consolidating good-neighborly friendship, deepening cooperation and boosting the joint development of China and Nepal," Wen told his Nepali counterpart Baburam Bhattarai upon his arrival at Kathmandu.

Wen's visit at Bhattarai's invitation was the highest-level visit by a Chinese official since former premier Zhu Rongji visited Kathmandu in 2001. It also marked the first visit by a Chinese premier since the former monarchy became Asia's youngest republic in 2008.

During his stay, Wen held talks with Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and other Nepalese government and political party leaders, in seeking ways to boost bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Wen reiterated Beijing's hopes for the prospects of Nepal's ongoing peace processes and the drafting of a new constitution.

"As a close neighbor of Nepal, the Chinese side is pleased to see the progress in the peace process in Nepal and sincerely hopes that Nepal will realize peace, stability and prosperity, including the drafting of a new constitution in the near future," a statement signed on Saturday said.

China and Nepal are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, he said, adding that China supports Nepal's peace and constitutional process, and its efforts to safeguard independence, sovereignty, territorial integration and national unification.

China is ready to provide, within its capacity, assistance to Nepal for economic and social development and believes that Nepal can overcome difficulties to realize the goal of building a new Nepal, the Chinese premier said.

Meanwhile, Bhattarai and Yadav reiterated adherence to the One-China policy.

"Nepal firmly supports the efforts of the Chinese side to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity and will not allow any force to engage in anti-China activities by using Nepali territory," the joint statement also said.

The peace process in Nepal has gained momentum since Bhattarai took office in August, marked by a seven-point deal signed in November by major political parties to regroup the former combatants of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (UNPN-M). Bhattarai is the party's vice-chairman.

Meanwhile, Nepal's Constituent Assembly, mandated to draft the constitution, was renewed for the fourth time through the end of May.

China supports Nepal's efforts to safeguard independence, sovereignty, territorial integration and national unification, Wen said.

China and its southwestern neighbor established a "comprehensive and cooperative partnership" in 2009, 54 years after the two countries forged diplomatic relations.

Cui Haipei in Beijing contributed to this story.

China Daily

(China Daily 01/15/2012 page2)