Poudel, 78, won the presidential vote on March 9 as the candidate of eight ruling parties, becoming the third President of Nepal…reports Asian Lite News
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Ram Chandra Poudel on assuming office as the President of Nepal.
“China and Nepal are friendly neighbours linked by mountains and rivers, and since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1955, their relations have maintained healthy and stable development, setting a good example of peaceful coexistence, friendship and mutual assistance between large and small countries,” Xi was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.
In a message, Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations, and is willing to work with Poudel to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, consolidate mutual political trust, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, so as to constantly promote the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.
Poudel was administered the oath of office and secrecy by acting Chief Justice Hari Krishna Karki at the Office of the President. He succeeded Bidya Devi Bhandri.
Poudel, 78, won the presidential vote on March 9 as the candidate of eight ruling parties, becoming the third President of Nepal, which became a republic in 2008.
The presidential vote involved members of the House of Representatives, the National Assembly and the seven provincial assemblies.
Backed by ruling alliance and supported by nine political parties, Poudel defeated veteran communist leader Subash Chandra Nembang who was solely backed by the CPN-UML.
Poudel secured 33,802 Electoral College votes. As many as 214 federal lawmakers and 352 provincial lawmakers voted for Poudel, according to the Election Commission of Nepal.
Another candidate, Nembang bagged 15,518 Electoral College votes. As many as 96 federal and 162 provincial lawmakers voted in his favour.
Poudel, 79, the former speaker and deputy prime minister and veteran democratic leader has been active in politics since six decades.
This is the third presidential election in Nepal since the country became a republic in 2008.
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