Story-sharing event fosters China-Nepal exchanges

More than 300 people representing various sectors in China and Nepal gathered in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a story-sharing event highlighting the Xizang autonomous region's progress in social stability, economic development, ecological protection and opening-up.

The event, titled "Xizang Panorama: New Era, New Development", was co-organized by the China Society for Human Rights Studies, Tribhuvan University and the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal. It brought together officials, scholars, journalists, educators and representatives from Nepal's cultural and performing arts sectors.

Jiang Jianguo, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and deputy director of the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the CPPCC National Committee, said this year marks the 75th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Xizang.

Over the past 75 years, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have consistently regarded the rights to subsistence and development as fundamental human rights and charted a path for human rights development that follows the trend of the times and suits China's national conditions, said Jiang, who is also executive vice-president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies.

Jiang said Xizang has maintained social stability while making progress in economic development, ethnic unity, religious harmony and opening-up, with people's sense of fulfillment, happiness and security continuing to grow.

"The dramatic transformation of Xizang is the most vivid epitome of China's human rights development in the new era," Jiang said.

He called on people from various sectors to continue promoting China-Nepal friendship, observing Xizang's development and advancing exchanges between civilizations, helping more people gain an accurate, multidimensional and comprehensive understanding of the region.

Top Bahadur Magar, chairperson of Nepal's National Human Rights Commission, spoke highly of China's efforts in human rights development and said stronger exchanges and cooperation among countries and relevant institutions are important to advancing the cause.

He said the commission is willing to deepen exchanges with organizations including the China Society for Human Rights Studies, share experiences and perspectives and enhance mutual understanding through dialogue and learning.

The National Human Rights Commission of Nepal remains interested in further strengthening cooperation with China in the areas of human rights promotion and protection, he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Zhang Maoming, said Xizang's experience in promoting vitality, openness, social harmony and environmental protection could offer useful lessons for deeper cooperation across the Himalayas.

Its practices in economic and social development and grassroots governance could also provide valuable reference for Nepal, Zhang said, adding that China is willing to work with Nepal to turn development opportunities into tangible cooperation and improve the wellbeing of people in both countries.

The event was structured around four themes: "Open Xizang", "Vibrant Xizang", "Harmonious Xizang" and "Green Xizang", with speakers presenting their observations and experiences of the region.

Eight speakers from China and Nepal, including scholars from the Xizang autonomous region academy of social sciences and the China Tibetology Research Center, as well as representatives from Nepal's media, education and performing arts sectors, took part in the sessions.

"From the historic streets of Lhasa to the innovative ranches in the countryside, I witnessed a Xizang that is actively modernizing while deeply respecting its cultural roots and natural environment," Kumar Sharma Acharya, former chairman of Press Council Nepal, said while recalling his visit to Xizang in June.

A photography exhibition was also held on the sidelines of the event, featuring images of the region's economic development, ecological conservation, ethnic unity and opening-up.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

yangzekun@chinadaily.com.cn