Yuan Jiajun, a politburo member of the Communist Party of China, paid a courtesy call on Speaker Devraj Ghimire on Monday and discussed various aspects of bilateral relations between Nepal and China.

Speaker Ghimire told the Chinese leader that high-level visits from China reflect the significance attached by the northern neighbour to Nepal, his secretariat said in a statement issued following the meeting.

“Continuous high-level visits have been taking place following the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2019. I acknowledge such bilateral visits will help in Nepal’s development and prosperity,” said Ghimire.

Saying that Nepal is gradually attaining progress in political stability and economic growth after the promulgation of the constitution, the Speaker underscored the implementation of the bilateral transit treaty and Rasuwagadhi-Kerung railways.

Speaker Ghimire also said that Nepal’s tourism industry was benefitting from the increasing flow of Chinese tourists to Nepal.

The Chinese leader said he visited Nepal on the instructions of Chinese President Xi, adding that China will help Nepal to become self-reliant in food. He also announced an assistance of Rs140 million to Nepal, according to the statement.

Yuan arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday on a three-day visit to Nepal leading a 26-member delegation at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He paid a courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel and also met Defence Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka on Sunday. Yuan also held a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is on a week-long visit to Italy.