New Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki at Singha Durbar on Friday.

Prime Minister Karki congratulated Ambassador Zhang on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure. She said she was confident he would effectively discharge his responsibilities and play a key role in further elevating relations between Nepal and China, according to her secretariat.

Ambassador Zhang thanked the prime minister for granting time for the meeting and congratulated her on ensuring a peaceful environment for elections by maintaining peace, security and the rule of law. He said China stood ready to extend support to Nepal in this process.

Karki expressed gratitude for China’s goodwill and cooperation in Nepal’s democratic process, particularly during elections. She also thanked China for its assistance and partnership in various development projects.

Referring to cultural, geographical and historical ties linking the two neighbours, Karki reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and its adherence to the one-China policy. She said Nepal remains clear that no activities harmful to its close neighbour would be allowed on its soil.

She noted that instability in one country could affect another and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation for regional peace and stability.

Ambassador Zhang conveyed appreciation, on behalf of the Chinese people and the Chinese president, for Nepal government’s policy stance.

Zhang arrived in Kathmandu on February 13 to take up his diplomatic assignment.