Nepal prepares to be transit point between China, India: King

Nepal is preparing to be a transit point between China and India, Nepali King Gyanendra said in Kathmandu Wednesday.

"To act as a catalysis in enhancing economic ties between the two neighbors, Nepal is preparing to be a transit point between them," the king said in his address to the nation on Wednesday morning to mark the first year anniversary after he took power of the state on Feb. 1, 2005.

"Nepal's role as a transit point will contribute to the welfare of Nepal, China, India and the region as a whole," the king said, adding, "Nepal is ever ready to have mutually beneficial fruitful relations with both her neighbors and this policy remains unchanged."

"Our foreign policy and relations are solely guided by how best to serve and protect our national interest in a rapidly changing world. This has restored Nepal's prestige and credibility in the international arena," the king added.

Nepal desires friendship with all and is always ready to cooperate for mutual benefit, the king noted, adding, "Nepal has malice towards non and is ever alert in ensuring that here territory is not used against any friendly country."

Source: Xinhua