Xi vows to help Nepal improve connectivity

Nations aim to advance strategic partnership of cooperation

President Xi Jinping pledged on Tuesday to help Nepal accelerate its transformation from a landlocked nation to a land-linked one by enhancing connectivity in areas such as ports, transportation, power grids and telecommunications, as he met with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Beijing.

China will keep deepening practical cooperation with Nepal, promote high-quality cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and continue to provide support within its capacity for the neighboring country's economic and social development, Xi said, adding that Chinese enterprises are encouraged to invest and start businesses in Nepal.

Oli, 72, who has served as Nepal's prime minister three times previously, arrived in Beijing on Monday for a four-day official visit. This was his first trip to a foreign country after he returned to power for the fourth time in July.