China to aid Nepal's post-quake reconstruction

KATHMANDU - China will announce a package of aid plans for Nepal's post-quake reconstruction on Thursday at the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday.

Wang, who is leading a Chinese government delegation to attend the conference, told his Nepalese counterpart Manhendra Behadur Pandey that as Nepal's true friend, China has stood and will stand with the Nepalese people at a time of difficulty.

The Chinese foreign minister again expressed on behalf of the Chinese government his deep sympathy and sincere consolations for the victims of the earthquake which struck the country on April 25.

He said China has already sent a government delegation and a team of three experts to Nepal to learn about the damages caused by the earthquake and the needs for reconstruction.

China will send an inter-ministerial government delegation to Nepal in the near future to work out a long-term matching plan with their Nepalese counterparts on reconstruction aid, said Wang.

He said that China will also actively coordinate with Nepal on the construction of infrastructures such as cross-border highways and border check points to reinforce connectivity links and help develop local economy for the benefit of the local people.

The Chinese foreign minister said the post-quake reconstruction is a long-term and huge dimensional work which needs the participation of the international community.

He also said political stability will provide a key environment for the success of reconstruction and China hopes that Nepal will smoothly complete its constitutional process.

For his part, Pandey expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the support China has been providing to Nepal since the earthquake took place two months ago.

He said that the Chinese leaders and the Chinese people extended their helping hands immediately after the earthquake which demonstrated the deep friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

He also praised Chinese rescue and relief workers, medical teams and the Chinese Army for their high professionalism, experiences, skills and courage shown in carrying out the humanitarian missions in Nepal.

Pandey also recalled that since the two countries established the diplomatic relations 60 years ago, China has always supported Nepal's independence, development, peace and stability.

He said Nepal is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China and will take care of each other's concern, understand and support each other.

Nepal will not allow anybody to engage in any anti-China activities on its soil, he added.