Assuring Nepal of all support in its efforts to protect ‘‘its sovereignty and stability’’ through its ongoing Maoist insurgency, China has granted $12.43 million to the Himalayan kingdom. According to Nepalese officials, the economic grant will be provided as non-project assistance and will help tide over its budget deficit.Apart from the aid deal, visiting Nepal Foreign Secretary Ramesh Nath Pandey signed several bilateral agreements with his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing. An agreement on mutual visa includes the waiver of visa fees for businessmen from both sides.China has also agreed to allow Nepal cargo carriers to transport essential goods over its territory in Tibet from one point in Nepal to another.Under another agreement, cross-border pasture sharing is now possible for border inhabitants of both sides within 30 km of each other’s territory.The Chinese government appreciates Nepal’s firm support on Tibet, Taiwan and human rights issues, Li said.Pandey, who arrived here on Sunday on an 11-day visit, also held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao.
