BEIJING, Dec. 24 -- China and Nepal pledged to expand cooperation, as Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met with visiting Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa Thursday in Beijing.

China is willing to expand cooperation in connectivity, energy, industrial capacity, post-disaster reconstruction and tourism through joint efforts with Nepal's new cabinet, Li said.

The new cabinet was formed two months ago as Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli was elected Nepal's 38th prime minister through a parliamentary vote on Oct. 11.

Hailing the smooth development of bilateral ties and traditional friendship, Li said China supports Nepal's efforts in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and is willing to push comprehensive cooperative partnership to a new high.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Nepal.

Thapa, also Nepal's foreign minister, said that Nepal is now at a critical stage of political and social transition.

The new cabinet will maintain Nepal's long-standing one-China policy, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and share development opportunities, he said.

Thapa is on an official visit to China from Dec. 24-29.