During his two-day state visit in Nepal, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday that the Chinese side stands ready to enhance communication and cooperation with the Nepali legislatures and jointly consolidate the friendship between the two countries.

Xi made his remarks while meeting with Chairman of National Assembly of Nepal Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, Xinhua news agency reported.

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Xi further said that he has been deeply impressed by the warmth and hospitality toward China shown by the president, prime minister, ministers, party leaders and the people of Nepal.

He added that it is demonstrated that the China-Nepal friendship, standing as high and magnificent as the Himalayas, has taken deep root in Nepal, which has further consolidated the confidence in developing friendly bilateral relations.

Timilsina said that it is an honour of all the Nepali people to receive the Chinese president while extending its warm welcome to Xi Jinping on behalf of the National Assembly.

Xi arrived in Nepal on Saturday evening for talks with his Nepali counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

President Bhandari greeted Xi on arrival at the airport ringed by hills. Thousands of people stood along the flower festooned route to welcome the Chinese leader as he drove from the airport to the hotel.

Xi, the first Chinese president to visit Nepal in 22 years, arrived from India, where he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nepal, a natural buffer between India and China, has been trying to lessen its dependence on New Delhi.

The Chinese President said Nepal’s demand on issues related to climate change would be addressed, adding that China would help Nepal in preserving the Mt. Everest and mountainous region in Nepal.

Nepal thanks China for its long-term and selfless support, and will continue to stand firm in upholding the one-China policy and will not allow any forces to engage in anti-China separatist activities in Nepal, Timilsina said.

Timilsina further added that his country is lucky to participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and is convinced that the great initiative will score an even bigger success.

The National Assembly of Nepal is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with the Chinese legislatures and make efforts to promote the Nepal-China friendship, he said.