KATHMANDU, Feb. 19 -- Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has expressed greetings and wishes to the Chinese people and leadership for the Lunar New Year.

"On the happy occasion of the New Year of the Chinese calendar, on behalf of the people and government of Nepal, and on my own, l would like to express cordial greetings and best wishes to the people and government of the People's Republic of China," the Nepalese primer told Xinhua during an interview on Wednesday in Nepal's Capital Kathmandu.

Koirala said the people of Nepal greatly cherish China's phenomenal progress in many fields and share their pride and happiness.

"I am happy to note that Nepal and China enjoy age-old friendship based on mutual respect, goodwill and cooperation. The multifaceted relations existing between our two countries continue to grow to our mutual benefit with the passage of time. I am confident that these relations will grow further in years to come, " said the prime minister.

On the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China this year, the prime minister said it is time to build relations based on past achievements and work for mutually benefit.

"On the auspicious occasion of the Spring Festival, I wish you all good health and happiness as well as continued peace, progress and prosperity of the Government and the friendly people of China, " Koirala said.