Beijing, February 23rd—Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), held here today a video call with Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) and former Prime Minister of Nepal.

Song once again congratulated Oli on his re-election as CPN-UML Chairman. Song said, China and Nepal are friendly neighbors and development partners who help each other. General Secretary Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Nepal in 2019, during which both countries upgraded China-Nepal relations to a strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity, opening a new chapter in China-Nepal relations. Attaching great importance to strengthening intra-party exchanges with the CPN-UML and other major political parties in Nepal, the CPC is willing to, together with the Nepali side, well implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen political mutual trust, and promote China-Nepal pragmatic cooperation in various fields. China will, as always, support the Nepali people in their independent choice of development path, firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security interests, and continue to provide support within its capacity for Nepal's economic and social development.

Oli said that Nepal and China are good neighbors and good brothers. For a long time, relations between the two countries have maintained stable development on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The CPN-UML attaches great importance to strengthening intra-party exchanges with the CPC, and will work with China to support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. The Nepali side appreciates China's support for Nepal's independent choice of development path, firmly adheres to the One China principle, and will not allow any forces to engage in anti-China activities by using the territory of Nepal. The Nepali side hopes to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese side in the Belt and Road Initiative to promote all-round development of Nepal-China relations.

Chen Zhou, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.

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