Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong on Monday said increasing people to people ties between Nepal and China has further enhanced the relationship of the two neighbours.

Spekaing at an event held in Kathmandu to award Chinese government scholarships to more than 100 students, the Chinese envoy mentioned universities and academic institutions have played a crucial role in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to Yu, the Chinese government has so far provided scholarships to 6,400 students in several academic disciplines.

“I urge you (students) to play a role in further strengthening the relationship between the two countries,” she said, encouraging students set to travel to several cities in China to pursue their respective academic careers next month.

According to the Chinese Embassy, students from Nepal have been selected for scholarships in several programmes—bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate—in faculties like civil engineering, medicine, business, aviation and Chinese language among others. The Chinese envoy also recalled the relationship between the two countries as based on mutual respect and co-operation. She said China is among the major development partners of Nepal and pledged to continue support in the days to come.  

Minister for Education Giriraj Mani Pokhrel appreciated the northern neighbour for facilitating the students from Nepal.

Stating that Nepal—China relations have remained strong since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Pokhrel added that such kind of exchanges would help cultivate positivity among the people of the two countries.