Beijing: China today promised "non- interference" in Nepal's internal affairs as the two sides signed 10 agreements including a landmark transit treaty to end the land-locked country's total dependence on India while Beijing agreed to extend the strategic Tibet rail link to Nepal to boost connectivity.
On his maiden visit to China close on the heels of his recent visit to India, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Oli held wide-ranging talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and called on President Xi Jinping.
"China firmly supports Nepal's efforts to safeguard sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well as the Nepali people's choice of development path, and will not interfere in Nepal's internal affairs," Chinese Prime Minister said.
Premier Li's strong backing to Nepal comes in the backdrop of a chill in its relations with India following the months- long crippling blockade by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, demanding amendments to the newly-enacted Constitution to ensure adequate political representation and reorganisation of the federal boundaries.
After the talks, the two sides signed 10 agreements including the transit treaty ending conflicting reports from Kathmandu that Mr Oli may defer it.
They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a feasibility study on a free trade area (FTA).
The FTA will further boost bilateral trade and investment, the statement said.
Mr Oli's high-profile visit comes as Nepal seeks to open more supply routes from China amid fears of a repeat of recent nearly six-month long blockade when the Madhesis blocked Nepal's trade-routes with India, throwing normal life out of gear.
On his maiden visit to China close on the heels of his recent visit to India, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Oli held wide-ranging talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and called on President Xi Jinping.
"China firmly supports Nepal's efforts to safeguard sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well as the Nepali people's choice of development path, and will not interfere in Nepal's internal affairs," Chinese Prime Minister said.
Premier Li's strong backing to Nepal comes in the backdrop of a chill in its relations with India following the months- long crippling blockade by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, demanding amendments to the newly-enacted Constitution to ensure adequate political representation and reorganisation of the federal boundaries.
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After the talks, the two sides signed 10 agreements including the transit treaty ending conflicting reports from Kathmandu that Mr Oli may defer it.
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They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a feasibility study on a free trade area (FTA).
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The FTA will further boost bilateral trade and investment, the statement said.
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Mr Oli's high-profile visit comes as Nepal seeks to open more supply routes from China amid fears of a repeat of recent nearly six-month long blockade when the Madhesis blocked Nepal's trade-routes with India, throwing normal life out of gear.
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