October 13: Chinese President Xi Jinping has underscored the potential of religious tourism between the two countries.

The Chinese president said during his visit to Nepal on Saturday that he expects lots of Chinese tourists to visit Nepal for pilgrimage. He expressed such views claiming that China is the country with the largest number of Buddhist followers while Nepal’s Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

“I expect more and more number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal for pilgrimage,” said Xi, in a speech during a dinner hosted by President Bidya Bhandari in Kathmandu on Saturday.

President Xi also pledged to encourage as much Chinese tourists as possible to travel to Nepal during the Visit Nepal Year 2020.

“In order to make the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign of Nepal a success, we will encourage as much Chinese tourists as possible to visit Nepal,” said Xi.

He also said China is sensitive toward the issue of climate change raised by Nepal.

“We are always committed to protect earth, which is our common home. And we have given special attention to protect Sagarmatha,” said Xi.