Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said in Beijing Thursday that China was grateful to the Nepalese government for its long-term support to China on the Taiwan, Tibet and human rights issues.

Jia, also a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was speaking during a meeting with Kirti Nidhi Bista, former prime minister of Nepal.

Jia said China-Nepal relations had progressed healthily and smoothly since the two countries established full diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation covered the fields of politics, economy, trade, education and military.

The two sides also had good cooperation in regional and international issues, he said.

He said China-Nepal relations, featuring equality, sincerity, mutual respect and support, were a perfect model of friendly coexistence between large and small countries.

Jia said China valued the traditional good neighborly partnership with Nepal and was willing to work with Nepal to reinvigorate and extend the friendship.

Bista spoke highly of China's great achievements through its economic reforms and opening.

(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2003)