Chen Song, the new Chinese ambassador to Nepal, arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday. In his brief remarks upon landing in the Capital, Chen said he would work towards enhancing China’s ties with Nepal.

“I stand ready to work closely with Nepali friends from all walks of life, gather wisdom and pool strength to bring more benefits to the two peoples, and jointly write a new chapter of the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity,” said Chen while speaking to journalists at the Tribhuvan International Airport after arriving in Kathmandu to take up his assignment.

Ambassador Chen said China will always firmly support Nepal in safeguarding state sovereignty and national dignity, exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and pursuing independent domestic and foreign policies.

“China is willing to work with Nepal to stay true to our original aspirations, inherit friendship, join forces to seek common development, and build a closer China-Nepal community with a shared future in the new era,” he added.

“As the new ambassador to Nepal, I am deeply aware of the glorious mission and great responsibility. I will follow the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Nepali leaders, stay devoted and dedicated to outlining their freehand brushwork of bilateral relations into a meticulous painting.”

China had proposed Chen, one of its senior diplomats, as the new ambassador to Nepal in November. However, Chen’s arrival in Nepal was delayed after he and his wife got infected with Covid-19.

He replaces Hou Yanqi, who has already returned to China after completing her four-year tenure in October. Hou assumed office in Kathmandu in December 2018.

Chen is a familiar face in Nepal’s diplomatic circles as he has in the past been a part of several meetings with Nepali officials.