RSS , Butwal, July 3 — State-5 Chief Minister Shanker Pokharel, who is on a 10-day China visit, called on high-placed political leadership and government officials of Sichuan Province, China.

During the visit, Chief Minister Pokharel and Sichuan Province Governor Yin Li signed a memorandum of understanding on maintaining sisterly relations between State-5 and Sichuan on Tuesday, informed delegation member and Pokharel’s press advisor Sher Bahadur KC.

On the occasion, Chief Minster Pokharel expressed his confidence that the agreement would bring bilateral relations between the two countries to a new height.

Likewise, Governor Li noted that Nepal and China have age-old and very cordial relations and the signing has charted a bright future course.

Pokharel also extended a message of Prime Minster KP Sharma Oli noting the relation among the state government, local government and people would further strengthen the ties between the two countries as well.

The chief minister also extended an invitation to the Sichuan Governor for the visit to State-5 and Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.

Sharing that the Gautam Buddha international Airport being constructed in Bhairahawa would come into operation soon, he urged the Chinese authorities to aid for the operation of Chengdu-Bhairahawa direct flights.

Governor Li thanked Pokharel for invitation for Lumbini visit and said they can further discuss for the operation of direct flights between Chengdu and Bhairahawa.

Chief Minister Pokharel also had a meeting with Deputy Director General of Chinese Communist Party Xe Xang on Tuesday.

Matters related to the relations between the Chinese Communist Party and Nepal Communist Party and bilateral ties between Nepal and China were discussed on the occasion.

Xang appreciated Nepal and Nepali for their stance on ‘one China policy’ and expressed due respect of China to Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On the occasion, Pokharel also noted that Nepali people are longing for the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping and urged him to impart this message to the President.

Chief Minister Pokharel had reached Chengdu on Monday on a visit at the invitation of the international Department of Chinese Communist Party.