China-Nepal youth cooperation conference seeks more engagement to achieve common progress

Nepali Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Ishwor Pokhrel (2nd L) and Nepali Ambassador to China Leela Mani Paudyal (1st L) attend the China-Nepal Youth Cooperation Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, Oct. 14, 2019. The China-Nepal Youth Cooperation Conference opened in Nepal on Monday with an aim of bringing the youths of the two countries together in a high-end platform for dialogue and exchange. The one-day event was organized by Silk Road Youth Forum in coordination with different organizations. (Photo by Sunil Sharma/Xinhua)

The China-Nepal Youth Cooperation Conference opened in Nepal on Monday with an aim of bringing the youths of the two countries together in a high-end platform for dialogue and exchange.

The one-day event was organized by Silk Road Youth Forum in coordination with different organizations.

Addressing the conference, Nepali Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Ishwor Pokhrel said that the youths can work as a bridge between the two countries and can contribute to strengthening the bilateral relations.

"Nepal and China have a very good political and diplomatic relationship. Now, we should focus on how to promote the people to people relationship in a more effective way," Pokhrel said.

Stating that Nepali youths want to learn from China and its development, the deputy prime minister said more exchange and interaction programs are required for sharing experiences, ideas and expertise.

"Nepali youths are brave, honest, laborious and creative, but we need to think about how to push them forward," Pokhrel said.

On the occasion, Nepali Ambassador to China Leela Mani Paudyal said that since most of Nepal's population is composed of productive youths, its benefits can be gained by both Nepal and China.

"Unfortunately, many Nepali youths are going abroad in search of better employment opportunities. Sharing of experience by Chinese youths and creation of jobs can inspire them to stay in the country," Paudyal said.

For his part, Vice President and Secretary General of the Silk Road Youth Forum Yang Dongping said that the Silk Road Youth Forum, under the Belt and Road Initiative, aims to unite young people from all countries, build bridges of friendship, and achieve common progress.

"I hope that the youth of our two countries can inherit the tradition of good neighborliness and friendship between China and Nepal and consolidate the friendship in the cause of building the Belt and Road Initiative," Yang said.

The conference was attended by around 100 youths and scholars from both countries.

Many participants from both Nepal and China stressed on having more dialogue and exchanges among youths to enhance the bilateral relationship and to create a harmonious and win-win future.

On the occasion, the Silk Road Youth Forum and Sino-Nepal Media Society signed a cooperation agreement to further boost cooperation.