Nepali King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev said?in Kathmandu on Friday that China is a reliable friend of Nepal.

"Nepal firmly supports the one-China policy of your government and will never allow any anti-China activities in Nepal's territory," King Gyanendra told visiting Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, who arrived here Thursday for a three-day official visit to Nepal.

The King expressed appreciation for China's long-standing support on safeguarding Nepal's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Nepal appreciates and supports the important role that China has been playing in the international affairs, Gyanendra added, while receiving Tang in audience at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace.

For his part, Tang Jiaxuan said the Chinese government will continue to pursue a policy of friendship towards Nepal and attach great importance to developing comprehensive and friendly relations with Nepal.

"China will never change its friendly policy towards Nepal irrespective of changes, internationally," Tang noted.

"We highly respect the mode of development chosen by the Nepalese people, have never interfered with the internal affairs of Nepal. We consistently support Nepal in its effort to safeguard sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," Tang added.

Earlier the day, Tang held official talks with Nepali Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey, President of Nepali Congress (NC) Girija Prasad Koirala, President of NC (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba and the Communist Party Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist leader Bharat Mohan Adhikari.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2006)