Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with Nepalese Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey in Beijing Monday, and conferred him on China-Nepal relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

Li said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, China and Nepal have conducted close exchanges and cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and culture. The two countries understand and support each other in international and regional affairs.

The Chinese government appreciates the Nepalese government's firm support for China on Tibet, Taiwan and human rights issues, Li said, adding that China will continue to support Nepal's endeavors at safeguarding its sovereignty and national stability.

Pandey said Nepal and China enjoy traditional friendship. Since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1955, Nepal-China good-neighborly relationship, which was forged and nurtured by the leadership of the two countries, has made remarkable achievements.

He said the Nepalese government firmly pursues the one-China policy, and is willing to make joint efforts with China to promote the bilateral good-neighborly and mutual-beneficial cooperation up to a new high.

After the talks, the two ministers signed a series of cooperation documents concerning economy and trade, cross-border pasture and mutual visa simplification.

Pandey arrived in Beijing Sunday for an official visit as guest of Li.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2005)