KATHMANDU, Feb. 18 -- Nepalese President Dr Rambaran Yadav and leaders of ruling and opposition parties have expressed their best wishes to the Chinese people and Chinese government on the occasion of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The Nepalese president said during an interview on Wednesday in Kathmandu that China and Nepal have been enjoying friendly, cordial and smooth relations based on mutual trust and full cooperation for the past six decades.

"China and Nepal have historical relations for ages. It is believed that the people-to-people level contacts were established more than 2000 years ago," President Dr Yadav said.

"This year is very much important for us as we are marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations establishment."

"I would like to express my best wishes to the Chinese people and the entire Chinese leadership including Chinese President Xi Jinping for gaining happiness, economic prosperity and peace along with speed economic development," the Nepalese president said.

Talking about his upcoming visit to China during the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2015, to be held in China next month, President Dr Yadav said that the visit will be helpful in enhancing ties between the two countries.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, chairman of the opposition United Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), also extended his good wishes to the Chinese people and leadership.

He told Xinhua in an interview, "The Nepalese people are expecting more cooperation from China. Now Nepal is going through a delicate political transition. We hope that after completing this transition period, we will be focused on achieving economic prosperity and development and for which China can cooperate with us in various areas."

Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist- Leninist), KP Sharma Oli, hoped that the 60th anniversary of Nepal- China diplomatic relations will be remarkable for promoting bilateral ties.

Jhalanath Khanal, former prime minister and a senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist), said, " Nepal and China have strong relationship on the basis of mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, respect for mutual equality and cooperation for mutual benefit."

He also thanked the Chinese government and people for their continued contribution to Nepal's socio-economic development.

Nepal and China established diplomatic relations on Aug. 1, 1955.