KATHMANDU, March 31 (Xinhuanet) -- Nepali King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev said here Thursday, "China is a reliable friend of Nepal."

    "Our two countries need to strengthen the exchange and cooperation in various fields in order to push the Nepal-China friendship to a new height," King Gyanendra told visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who arrived here Thursday on a two-day official visit to Nepal.

    "Nepal firmly supports the one-China policy of your government and will never allow any anti-China activities in Nepal's territory," the King said while receiving Li in audience at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace.

    Nepal appreciates and supports the important role that China has been playing in the international affairs, Gyanendra added.

    Li Zhaoxing said, through his visit, the Nepalese friends will certainly realize how the Chinese government and people attach importance to the Sino-Nepali friendship and cooperation.

    He expressed appreciation for Nepal's longstanding support on the issues of Taiwan and Tibet.

    Earlier the day, Li held official talks with his Nepali counterpart Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey on bilateral matters, including economic cooperation, trade and tourism, and matters of mutual interest.

    The nine-member Chinese delegation led by Li signed an agreement with the Nepali side on dispatching a Chinese team to study on the construction of the Conservation Research Center under the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation.

    Li will pay courtesy calls Friday morning on Tulsi Giri and Kirti Nidhi Bista, vice chairmen of the Council of Ministers, or cabinet.

    The Chinese foreign minister's visit is on the eve of the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal on Aug. 1. Enditem