China and Nepal, two nations always respect, trust and help each other
By Qiu Guhong, Chinese ambassador to Nepal
Master Buddhabhadra is the earliest envoy in China-Nepal friendly exchanges which have lasted for thousands of years. As early as 1600 years ago, he traveled to China through a long distance and against all odds; received disciples inclusively, delivered the Buddhist principles truly, gave lectures widely, translated hundreds of Buddhist scriptures into Chinese languages painstakingly, and finally passed away in China after visit many parts of vast country. He has made important contributions for China-Nepal cultural exchanges and his story has become indelible memory in China-Nepal friendship.
China-Nepal friendship has been constantly renewed and consolidated over the past 1600 years. During that period, Chinese Master Faxian and Xuanzang visited Lumbini of Nepal, the sacred place of Buddhism, Chinese Tibetan King Songsten Gampo married the Nepali Princes Bhrikuti and the Nepalese architect Arniko supervised the constitution of the White Pagoda in Miaoyng Temple in Beijing. These much told tales are still very popular in both China and Nepal.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal in 1955, the bilateral relations have achieved new and substantial development and withstood the test of changes in international situation and time. No matter what changes occurred in the nations conditions of both China and Nepal, two nations always respect, trust and help each other, and treat each other as equals. Fruitful outcomes have been yielded in exchanges and cooperation in various fields including politics, economy, trade and culture and etc. Our two countries have set a good example of peaceful coexistence and common development between countries of different size and social systems.
Nepal is an important neighbour of China. Two countries are linked by mountains and rives, and dependent on each other by sharing common border line extending for more than 1400 kilometres. Both China and Nepal are developing countries, enjoying broad common interests in economic growth, improvement of people’s livelihood. China cherishes the traditional friendship and cooperation with Nepal and is ready to work with Nepalese side to further strengthen and upgrade the good- neighbourly partnership featuring everlasting friendship to benefit two peoples. It is consistent with the fundamental interests of two countries and two peoples, and conducive to the regional pace and stability.
Last, but not the least, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Min Bahadur Shakaya again for his wide citation and reference in this book to recur the valuable historical moments in China-Nepal friendship,. My thanks also got to China Study Center-Nepal for their cooperation in the publication of the book. Thanks again for the friends who have contributed a lot for binging out this book. I am convinced that with the joint efforts of friendship from both China and Nepal, China-Nepal relations will grow vigorously and China-Nepal friendship will pass on from generation to generation.
Excerpts of the statement delivered by Chinese ambassador QIU GUHONG in a ceremony organized by China Study Center to launch the book “The Life of Nepalese Buddhist Master Buddhabhadra.
