Reply Speech by The Rt. Hon. K P Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal at the Dinner hosted in his honour by H. E. Mr. Qi Zhala, Chairman of the People’s Government of Tibet Autonomous Region of China
(22 June 2018, Lhasa)
His Excellency Mr. Qi Zhala, Chairman of the People’s Government
of Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening!
It gives me great pleasure to be amidst so many important friends of Nepal. My wife Radhika joins me in expressing our sincere thanks and gratitude to you, Mr. Chairman, and the Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) for hosting this lovely dinner and for the warm welcome.
We arrived in Lhasa this afternoon after completing our three-day visit to Beijing. I had fruitful meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Li Zhanshu. On all occasions, we exchanged views on the ways and means of further widening and deepening our traditionally warm friendship.
I have visited Lhasa before on several occasions, and most recently in July 2017. Every time I visit this historic and beautiful city, I feel homely and find myself deeply attached. I am fascinated by its freshness and purity in nature and culture, and inspired by its incredible development speed.
Lhasa is an epitome of unbelievable balance between rich cultural heritage and modernity. It reflects a perfect balance between ancient civilization and modernity. Development in TAR has been possible due to visionary leadership and proper guidance of the People’s Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region as well as the dedication and diligence of the Tibetan People.
Relations between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China can be traced back to centuries. The marriage of a Nepali princess Bhrikuti to the Tibetan King Tsong Tsan Gampo in the 7th century is a testimony to our age-old and time-tested cordial relations.
Nepali artisan Araniko first built a temple in Tibet before traveling to Beijing where he built the world famous White Pagoda, which stands today as one of the enduring symbols of Nepal-China friendship and cooperation.
Nepal and China established formal relations in 1955. Our relations have always been friendly and cooperative. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence provide a solid basis for our relationship. We enjoy a trouble-free relationship.
We are firmly committed to the One-China policy. We have consistently maintained Tibet and Taiwan as integral parts of the People’s Republic of China. We are also committed to not allowing our territory to be used against the core interests of China.
In the last three decades, Tibet Autonomous Region has registered incredible success in its economic and infrastructural development. As a close neighbor and true friend, Nepal cherishes and takes pride in the rapid development of TAR.
My Government has the motto of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’. Development experience, expertise and technology of Tibet Autonomous Region will be of help to realize our development goals.
We are thankful to the continued cooperation extended by the People’s Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Nepal and TAR are linked by geography, culture, religion and traditions. Similarity of culture and lifestyle prevailing in the northern part of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region has brought our people even closer.
Today, Tibet Autonomous Region serves as a gateway for Nepal to mainland China. Relationship between Nepal and Tibet serve as the basis for historical, social, cultural and geographical roots of our bilateral ties.
Regular exchanges of visits, ideas and views at various levels and occasions have further contributed to strengthening our relations.
Our ties are very strong and multidimensional. We need to build on this asset and advance mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. Our two countries have tremendous opportunities of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, investment and connectivity, among others.
I am happy to note that Nepal and China will work towards strengthening connectivity within the framework of trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network. This has been the central outcome of my visit to China this time. Railway, road, aviation, transmission ways, ports and communication are its key aspects. Since this will involve TAR, it will also have an important role to play in advancing the overall development of connectivity on the Chinese side.
We need cooperation of the Government of TAR in supporting the livelihood of our people living in the northern regions of Nepal by enhancing cross border connectivity with more border points.
We would like to work with China for deepening economic partnership for mutual benefit. Taking this opportunity, I would like to invite the Chinese investment in the construction of cross-border economic zones, SEZs and industrial park. My Government is committed to create conducive investment climate in Nepal for Chinese investors.
With these words, let me express sincere appreciation, on behalf of my wife, and other members in my delegation as well as and on my own, to you, Mr. Chairman, for hosting this lovely dinner.
Finally,
- I wish for the good health and happiness of President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and other State leaders and all the provincial leaders of TAR!
- I wish for the everlasting friendship between Nepal and China!
- I wish for closer cooperation between Nepal and TAR!
- I wish for further progress and prosperity of TAR!
Thank you!