China and Nepal signed four agreements on economic and technological cooperation and other areas in Beijing Monday afternoon.

The documents include the Agreement on Economic and Technological Cooperation between the governments of the two countries, an agreement on Nepal's use of a road in Tibet to transport goods, an agreement on a bridge across the borders of the two countries and an agreement on automobile transportation.

Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju and visiting Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Nepal Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev attended the signing ceremony. During their meeting before the signing of the agreements, Huang said China places great importance on expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with Nepal and is willing to expand communication and cooperation between the enterprise and business circles of the two countries. He said China is ready to enhance friendly communication with Nepal and continue to explore new forms and ways of cooperation in all fields.

Huang said China and Nepal are close and friendly neighbors, noting that theirs is a model of a relationship between countries of different social systems. He said relations have developed smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties 49 years ago. The two countries have supported each other on international occasions and maintained good communication and coordination.

Huang expressed appreciation for Nepal's long-term and firm support to China on such issues as Taiwan and human rights.

Huang said China is willing to develop good-neighborly, friendly and cooperative relations with all its neighbors, including Nepal.

Paras said the two countries have maintained a long-term sincere friendship and cooperative relations, with which Nepal is satisfied. He said Nepal is willing to further expand cooperation with China in all fields. He also expressed the wish that China will continue to support the economic development of Nepal.

Paras arrived in Beijing Saturday afternoon, continuing his 13-day official visit to China.

Paras visited Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tibet before his Beijing tour, where he will conclude his visit Tuesday.

During his stay in Beijing, Paras attended a ceremony marking the setup of the China-Nepal Friendship Association Monday noon.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2004)