Daily Times

KATHMANDU: Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari has pledged to enhance cooperation with China within the framework of China’s Belt and Road initiative. When meeting with visiting Chinese Defense Minister and State Councilor Chang Wanquan on Friday, Bhandari said Nepal and China have been good neighbors and partners for generations. Both countries have maintained high-level exchange of visits in recent years, which has enhanced exchanges and cooperation in such fields as politics, trade and defense, she said. Nepal is ready to make joint efforts with China to deepen pragmatic cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative so as to benefit the two peoples, the president added. The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, known as Belt and Road initiative, was proposed by China in 2013 with the aim of building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes. For his part, Chang appreciated Nepal’s support to China over its “core interest” issues.