On 17 February, 2012, H.E. Ambassador Yang Houlan attended the first council meeting of Nepal China Himalayan Friendship Society (NeCHiFS), and interacts with the Central Committee members of NeCHiFS including Chairperson Mr. Ananda Pokhrel, and delegates from 14 district chapters of NeCHiFS. They had deep discussions on further strengthening people's friendship between China and Nepal, and cooperation in China-Nepal border areas, etc.

The delegates of district chapters from Nepal's northern border addressed that the northern area shares the border with China's Tibet as well as same language and similar culture. The two sides have close ties in trade, culture and religion since ancient times. As China enjoys rapid social and economic development, the people in Nepal's northern border are eager to have more road links with China to enhance the friendship and mutually-benefit cooperation with the Chinese side, and to gain profits from China's development. NeCHiFS will continue to stick to One China Policy, to make contributions to strenghtening people's friendship between Nepal and China.

Yang first quoted a Chinese saying in his speech that "Isn't it so joyful to receive friends coming from far-away places?" He said he was very pleased to interact with NeCHiFS's district chapters' members, who came here a long way from Nepal's northern border areas, and got to know their strong wish to further develop China-Nepal relations. China-Nepal friendship has a long history. The traditional friendship in border areas is an important part of China-Nepal good neighboring relations. The Chinese side attaches great importance to the friendly cooperation in China-Nepal border areas. China has already assisted Nepal in constructing the trade roads between us such as Arniko Highway and Syabrubensi-Rasuwagadi Highway. China is positive to build more links to Nepal and continue to make efforts for the stability and development of China-Nepal border areas, and the happiness and welfare of the local people.

Yang highly appreciated NeCHiFS's contribution to China-Nepal relations. He said he would fully study the suggestions made by NeCHiFS' s members and continue to support NeCHiFS, for the friendship and cooperation between China and Nepal.