Chinese President Hu Jintao said that China treasures its traditional friendship with Nepal and will continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas in Beijing Monday.

Hu made the remark during his meeting with Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Nepal Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev in the Great Hall of the People Monday afternoon. Hu said China and Nepal are good neighbors. The peoples of the two countries share a history of friendship lasting more than 1,000 years.

Hu said since the two countries established diplomatic ties 49 years ago, relations have been growing steadily. Hu said the two sides respect and treat each other as equals. They also trust and support each other. Hu said he appreciates the King of Nepal and the royal family for their special and important role in developing the relationship. He also thanked Nepal for lending precious support to China on such issues as Tibet and Taiwan.

Hu said China is willing to push the good-neighborly partnership between the two countries to a new level.

Paras said Nepal highly appreciates the support and assistance that China has given to Nepal over the years. He said Nepal is satisfied with the results of cooperation with China. He stressed that Nepal will continue to stick to the one-China policy.

Paras said Nepal is ready to further increase exchanges of visit by high-ranking officials of the two countries and expand exchanges and cooperation in such areas as trade, economy, education and culture. Noting that he is deeply impressed with the rapid development of China, Paras said Nepal is ready to continue to push forward good-neighborly, friendly and cooperative relations with China.

Paras arrived in Beijing Saturday afternoon, continuing his 13-day official visit to China. Paras visited Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tibet before his Beijing tour, where he will conclude his visit Tuesday.

During his stay in Beijing, Paras attended a ceremony marking the setup of the China-Nepal Friendship Association Monday noon.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2004)