Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a bilateral meeting in Hong Kong on Friday on the sidelines of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang, Deuba is in Hong Kong to attend the signing ceremony of a treaty concerning the establishment of IOMed, where Nepal is participating as an observer state.

At the ceremony, convened by the Chinese government, as many as 32 countries signed the convention. The IOMed—in line with the UN Charter—aims to resolve disputes between states, a state and a national of another State, and private parties through mediation, said a statement issued by the Nepal’s Consulate General office in Hong Kong.

They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including strengthening relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Nepal and China, said the statement.

During the meeting, discussions were held on Nepal-China relations, mutual interests, common concerns, and the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries being marked this year, said another statement issued by Deuba’s private secretariat.

Deuba emphasized Nepal’s prioritisation of relations with China, the statement said.

She conveyed Nepal’s gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their continued support and cooperation in Nepal’s economic and social development. She also expressed Nepal’s expectation for continued Chinese cooperation in various areas, including economic, technical, technology transfer, and foreign direct investment, said the statement.

On the occasion, Deuba reiterated Nepal’s unwavering commitment to one-China policy and clarified that Nepali territory will not be allowed to be used against China.

Deuba had also thanked the Chinese government for its representation in the recently concluded Sagarmatha Sambaad hosted by Nepal.

The meeting covered recent high-level visits between Nepal and China, in particular, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official visit to China last December, and the implementation of the agreements and understandings reached during that visit.

As Nepal and China are celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, Foreign Minister Deuba extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Wang to visit Nepal. She also expressed Nepal’s interest in welcoming more Chinese tourists this year, as 2025 has been designated by China as Nepal Visit Year.

During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang congratulated the government of Nepal, through Minister Deuba, for the successful organisation of the Sagarmatha Sambaad. He expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Nepal in the future to address climate change, mitigate its impacts, and promote environmental conservation. He also affirmed that China’s support to Nepal will continue and mentioned that coordination with Nepal could be enhanced through the newly established mediation organisation.

Foreign Minister Wang requested, through Deuba, that the government of Nepal expedite the implementation of agreements and understandings reached during Prime Minister Oli's visit to China. Accepting Deuba’s invitation, Minister Wang expressed his intention to visit Nepal, said the statement.

Commending the diplomatic initiatives and programmes led by Deuba, the Chinese foreign minister also extended a special invitation on behalf of the Chinese government for her to participate in the World Forum on Women’s Leadership.