Kathmandu – A seminar marking the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries and called for greater academic exchanges and institutional cooperation.
The seminar, themed “Achievements, Contemporary Perspectives, and Future Cooperation,” was organized by the Friends of Silk Road Club-Nepal, bringing together scholars, policymakers, diplomats, researchers, students and media representatives to review the development of bilateral relations and explore future avenues of cooperation.
Speakers at the event said Nepal and China have maintained cordial and friendly relations based on mutual respect, sovereignty, equality and peaceful coexistence since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1955.
Over the past seven decades, bilateral cooperation has expanded into areas including infrastructure, trade, tourism, education, culture and people-to-people connectivity, participants said.
They noted that the relationship between the two neighboring countries is rooted not only in geographical proximity but also in shared aspirations for peace, stability and sustainable development.
The seminar placed particular emphasis on the role of academic diplomacy in further strengthening bilateral relations. Participants said universities, research institutions and think tanks can contribute to deeper mutual understanding, evidence-based policymaking and sustained intellectual exchanges between Nepal and China.
Nepalese and Chinese scholars shared perspectives on regional and global developments and discussed opportunities for cooperation in governance, international relations, development, education, research and cultural exchanges.
Participants called for expanding institutional partnerships and creating more opportunities for students, researchers and academics from the two countries to engage in joint research, knowledge sharing and educational programs.
Around 100 people attended the seminar, including government officials, members of the diplomatic community, academics, researchers, students and media professionals.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of language and cultural exchanges as bridges between the peoples of Nepal and China. Participants said greater exposure to each other’s languages, traditions and cultural practices could further promote mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties.
The seminar concluded with calls for continued dialogue, stronger academic and institutional partnerships, and expanded cooperation in education, research, tourism, connectivity and culture.
Participants expressed the view that sustained exchanges among scholars, policymakers and civil society could contribute to further strengthening Nepal-China relations and identifying new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.
The event reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Nepal and China and the importance of building on the achievements of the past 71 years. Participants expressed hope that continued engagement, mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges would further deepen bilateral cooperation and contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity in both countries and the wider region.
