PM stresses expanding Nepal-China friendship

Kathmandu, July 18

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need to expand the longstanding friendship between Nepal and China to future generations. He affirmed that the Government of Nepal would leave no stone unturned to advance the bilateral relations and deepening cooperation between Nepal and China.

Addressing the Nepal–China Cultural Summit 2025 organised by Phoenix Inspiration on the occasion of the 70^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China in Kathmandu on Friday, Prime Minister Oli said the event carried a powerful message in promoting cultural ties between the two ancient and historically rich nations.

“This summit will help strengthen our mutual friendship for generations to come. It will contribute to the growth of our multidimensional relationship. Relations are not only about exchange; they are also built on mutual sentiment and cultural diversity,” he said.

According to him, the Government of Nepal will spare no effort in enhancing this friendship. True friendship doesn’t require wealth, it grows in accordance with mutual capacity and will be made even broader.

He also said that performances of children from both the countries finely demonstrated the type of relations both the neighbours have, and pointed to the need for such initiatives in the years to come.

During the event, Prime Minister Oli presented awards to individuals in recognition of their contributions.

Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, was honoured with the Youth Empowerment Award; business leaders – former President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce Rajesh Kazi Shrestha and President of Confederation of Nepalese Indsutries Birendra Raj Pandey – received the Business Leadership Award; and Anuradha Sharma was recognised with the Excellence in Education Award.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, said that engaging young students in cultural exchange programmes was a good initiative.

"It will further solidify the knowledge and awareness about each other's culture, education and other relevant issues. Frequency of such programmes should be increased," he said.

He also expresses commitment of China to cultural and development initiatives in Nepal and urged the students to get updates with the technological advancement of China and learn them.

Likewise, President of Phoenix Inspiration, Binod Blon, said that there is a need to intensify the people-to-people relations between Nepal and China. He also said that, a team of Nepali students will also present Nepali cultural performances in China next year.

The conference featured 70 students from China and Nepal who performed songs, dances, and poetry reflecting both cultures. Earlier this month, a group of 70 Nepali teachers and students had visited China.

Phoenix Inspiration has been teaching Chinese in schools, dubbing Chinese films into Nepali, and translating literature to enhance cultural understanding.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 July 2025.