October 13: Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to help Nepal realize its dream of becoming a land-linked country from land-locked country. Speaking at a dinner reception hosted by President Bidya Devi Bhandari at Soaltee Crowne Plaza on Saturday, the Chinese president said he is ready to open more and more customs points between the two countries for enhancing multi-dimensional trans-Himalayan connectivity.

In a live speech broadcast by the state-run Nepal Television, Xi, who is in a two-day state visit to Nepal, said that the governments of Nepal and China have agreed to start the feasibility study of trans-border railway line and to ensure that the Arniko Highway starts operation again by initiating phase-wise upgradation of the vital route that connects the two countries.

He further said that the two countries will expedite the process of constructing a tunnel that connects Kathmandu and Kerung.

“We have agreed to establish friendly ties which will last for generations to come,” said President Xi, adding, “There is no problem between Nepal and China, only friendship.”

President Xi said that China has been actively supporting the reconstruction process of Nepal following the devastating earthquakes of 2015.

“We are willing to invest in the educational and cultural sectors to strengthen the people-to-people relations.”

Xi will wrap up his two-day state visit to Nepal today afternoon.