A business street in Gyirong town, China-Nepal Border’s Gyirong county in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region File Photo: Li Hao/GT

China has always regarded Nepal as a priority in neighborhood diplomacy and the two countries should continue to support each other's core interests and major concerns, said China's top legislator Li Zhanshu, who has just finished an official goodwill visit to Nepal from Monday to Thursday.

During the four-day visit, Li, Chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, met Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Kathmandu. Li expressed thanks for Nepal's unfailing support for China's position on the Taiwan question and issues concerning Xizang, Xinjiang and human rights.

China will continue to firmly support Nepal's efforts to safeguard its sovereign independence and territorial integrity, to achieve prosperity and strength, Li noted. "China will strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, infrastructure construction and customs clearance to bring actual benefits to people of both countries," Li said.

Bhandari said China has always been Nepal's most reliable good friend and partner, expressing gratitude for China's selfless help in supporting Nepal's economic development, earthquake relief and fighting against COVID-19

Both the president and the prime minister expressed the desire to fulfill pragmatic cooperation projects with China in areas such as the economy, education, tourism and culture.

Li also briefed the Nepalese side about the upcoming 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The Nepalese leaders reaffirmed Nepal's firm adherence to the one-China principle, saying Nepal will not allow any forces to use its territory to engage in anti-China activities or harm China's interests.

Li is paying official visits to Russia, Mongolia, Nepal and South Korea from September 7 to September 17 and he attended the 7th Eastern Economic Forum during his stay in Russia.