Kathmandu, 31 August: The Chinese government has expressed deep sorrow over the losses suffered by Nepal in the floods in Rasuwa. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have also conveyed a message that Nepal is not alone in this disaster and that China will always stand by Nepal.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming conveyed the message to the Government of Nepal during a meeting with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle at the Ministry of Finance on Sunday, while handing over financial assistance announced by the Chinese government to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
“Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in Nepal caused by the flood disaster. They have paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the floods,” Ambassador Zhang Maoming said while conveying the message from the Chinese leaders. “Nepal is not alone in this difficult time. China stands with Nepal and the Nepali people.”
Ambassador Maoming also said that the Chinese government would continue its support for rescue and relief efforts in Nepal following the disaster.
During the meeting with Finance Minister Dr. Wagle at the Ministry of Finance on Sunday, Ambassador Zhang Maoming handed over a cheque equivalent to approximately Rs. 3.5 billion (US$20 million) on behalf of the Chinese government.
Similarly, Ambassador Maoming handed over cash assistance worth Rs. 306 million (US$2 million) provided by the Chinese Red Cross.
While handing over the relief assistance, Ambassador Maoming said that Nepal and China would work together to confront the disaster caused by the massive catastrophe in the Himalayan region. He also informed that other forms of relief materials announced by the Chinese government for Nepal had already begun arriving in the country.
Ambassador Maoming said that two Chinese aircraft delivered 50 tons of relief supplies to Kathmandu on Sunday alone, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, medical kits and biscuits. He said additional assistance would continue to be provided.
He also informed the Finance Minister that efforts were underway to bring back Nepali citizens stranded on the Chinese side due to the floods in Rasuwa, with arrangements being explored to return them to Nepal through the Korala border point in Mustang.
