Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan on Tuesday afternoon met with Nepalese Chief of Army Staff Rookmangud Katawal, both vowing to deepen ties between the two countries and the two armed forces.

Hailing that China and Nepal have enjoyed a long tradition of friendship, Cao said the bilateral friendly relationship have kept moving forward healthily and smoothly on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence for many years.

China respects Nepal's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Nepal's self-determined choice for development in accordance with its own national conditions, and supports Nepal's friendly policy towards its neighbors, Cao noted.

China attaches great importance to developing China-Nepal ties and is willing to make joint efforts with Nepal to continuously deepen the relations between the two countries and the two armed forces so as to contribute to regional peace, stability and common development.

Katawal said Nepal has always seen China as a reliable neighbor and partner and is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in order to further promote bilateral relations.

Katawal stressed Nepal will stick to one-China policy from beginning to end.

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2008)