National Assembly Chairman Ganesh Prasad Timilsina discussed various facets of Nepal-China relations on Monday with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China.

Timilsina, who is on an official visit to China, met Zhao at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

During the meeting, chair Timilsina said Nepal and China have had cordial and very close relations for centuries, adding that he is confident that the relations will become stronger in the coming years.

Timilsina said that Nepal has always given priority to its relationship with China.

“Nepal is always in favour of the one-China policy,” Timilsina told the Chinese leader, according to his secretariat.

Timilsina said he is confident that the operation of Pokhara International Airport, which was built with Chinese loan assistance, will make a significant contribution to Nepal’s tourism market and expressed his belief that there will be direct flights from various cities in China.

Mentioning that trade has resumed through various border points, Timilsina also expressed his belief that other border points will be operational in the future.

During the meeting, Zhao assured that China would take the issues raised by the Nepali side during the visit seriously and implement them. He informed chair Timilsina that China is ready for a direct flight from Chengdu to Pokhara.

“China is ready to conduct direct flights from June 21 if all preparations are completed,” said Zhao.

Chair Timilsina left for a China visit on Saturday night, leading a nine-member parliamentary delegation.