The Chinese embassy in Nepal held a reception on Friday to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Bringing together over 300 guests, the event was attended by Chinese Ambassador Chen Song, Defense Attache Senior Colonel Lyu Guozheng, all diplomats of the embassy, as well as representatives from the Nepalese military, government, diplomatic corps, and military attaches accredited to Nepal.
In his remarks, Ambassador Chen underscored the importance of upholding international justice and learning from history to build a better future for all.
"Facing profound changes unseen in a century, we need to continue to stand on the side of international justice. We must learn from history, especially the hard lessons of the Second World War. We must draw wisdom and strength from the great victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and resolutely resist all forms of hegemonism and power politics. We must work together to build a brighter future for humanity," he said.
Ashok Raj Sigdel, chief of army staff of the Nepalese Army, praised the cooperation between Chinese and Nepalese armed forces in peace keeping missions.
"Our (Chinese and Nepalese) troops proudly work together in many United Nations peacekeeping missions, contributing to global peace and stability. These interactions have not only helped us to learn from each other professionally, but also to foster a deeper understanding of each other's cultural and tradition," he said.
The reception also featured exhibition boards and screening of promotional videos to highlight Chinese military's contribution to global peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.
Founded on Aug. 1, 1927, the PLA has served as China's principal military force, safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and contributing to international peace.
Since 1990, China has taken part in 25 United Nations peacekeeping operations and deployed over 50,000 personnel, the largest among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Chinese embassy in Nepal celebrates PLA's 98th founding anniversary
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
