Kathmandu-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated that Buddhism has become a shining thread in the relationship between Nepal and China.
Addressing the Ninth Nanhai Buddhist Conference Forum held in Kathmandu today, Prime Minister Oli said that this thread will weave the cultural and spiritual fabric of the two nations and promote a lasting bond of goodwill and understanding.
“Nepal and China share many things beyond just the border. We are bound by our unforgettable history, the majestic embrace of our mountains, the life-giving flow of our rivers, and the deep, rich bonds of our cultures,” he said. “Nepal and China have shared a long-standing friendship. I am confident that this conference will deepen our mutual bond, promote mutual learning, and advocate the eternal values of peace, compassion, and cooperation between the Buddhist communities of Nepal, China, and beyond.”
Prime Minister Oli also emphasized that Nepal is the sacred birthplace of Gautam Buddha, known as the “Light of Asia,” and that this blessed place, marked by his footprints, serves as a symbolic bridge between the Buddhist heritage of Nepal and China.
He highlighted the historical exchanges between the two nations, mentioning the visits of Chinese monks Fa Jian and Xuanzang to Nepal, as well as the visit of Nepali scholar Buddhabhadra to China, our shared history is filled with the exchange of knowledge and learning.
Prime Minister Oli also pointed to the architectural marvels of Nepali-style Buddhist monasteries in China and the grandeur of the Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery in Lumbini, which stand as eternal monuments to this lasting friendship.
The Prime Minister further noted the collaborative engagement between Lumbini Buddhist University, which serves as a beacon of education dedicated to Buddhist studies, and the Nanhai Buddhist Academy of China. He described this cooperation as an example of shared aspirations and the spirit of friendship.