Nepal Foreign Minister Thanks China for Emergency Assistance, Reaffirms Shared Approach to Climate Cooperation

Dragon Media Correspondent

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has expressed sincere gratitude to China for the emergency assistance and support extended to Nepal during the recent disaster, while stressing the importance of stronger cooperation between the two countries in responding to climate change.

During a meeting on September 3 with Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming, Foreign Minister Khanal thanked the Chinese government for its generous support at a difficult time. On behalf of the Government of Nepal, he also once again extended heartfelt condolences to the Chinese government and people.

Ambassador Zhang said China had supported Nepal’s relief efforts in various ways since the severe mudslide disaster occurred. He expressed confidence that, through joint efforts and mutual assistance, the people of the two countries would overcome the disaster and difficulties together.

Zhang also noted that climate change is a common challenge facing all humanity and that no country can remain immune from its risks. He said China would continue working with the international community, including Nepal, to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and to effectively prevent and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

Foreign Minister Khanal said Nepal and China share the natural ecosystem of the Himalayas and are both affected by climate change. He added that Nepal agrees with China’s view that addressing climate change is a shared responsibility of the international community.

Khanal also clarified that Nepal has no intention of seeking “climate justice compensation” from any specific country, including China. Instead, Nepal will pursue compensation and climate-related financial support from the international community within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

The meeting reflected a positive convergence between Nepal and China on disaster response, humanitarian assistance and climate cooperation. Given the environmental sensitivity of the Himalayan region, there is significant scope for the two countries to deepen cooperation in disaster risk reduction, early warning, scientific research and climate adaptation.

The discussions also underscored the tradition of mutual support between Nepal and China during times of difficulty, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation in addressing disasters and the broader challenges posed by climate change.