Chinese President Jiang Zemin on Sunday sent a congratulatory message to Nepalese King Gyanendra on the occasion of Nepal's National Day.
Nepal is China's close and friendly neighbor and the friendship between the two peoples enjoys a long history, said Jiang in his message.
Since establishing diplomatic relations nearly half a century ago, China and Nepal have been trusting and supporting each other and treating each other equally, Jiang said, adding that the long-standing good-neighborliness and partnership between the two countries will be further strengthened and developed through joint efforts.
The Chinese head of state also said that King Gyanendra's coming state visit to China will open a new chapter in bilateral relations in the new century.
Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji also sent a message to his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba on the occasion.
(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2002)
