Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met with Nepal Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa in Beijing on Thursday and agreed to expand cooperation between their respective countries.

This agreement comes in response to Nepal's energy crisis, which has crippled the Himalayan nation for the past three months.

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Nepal instituted its first constitution after the monarchy in September, in hopes that it would establish peace and stability after years of divergence.

Two months ago, the new cabinet was formed when Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli was elected as the 38^th Prime Minister through a parliamentary vote.

However, protesters have blocked the trucks containing fuel and medicine from India, causing a shortage of supplies in Nepal.

Nepal has been highly dependent on India for land-transported supplies after the disastrous earthquake occurred earlier this year.

Thapa said that the country's state is in a crucial political and social transition.

Meanwile, Li said that China is willing to render aid in terms of connectivity, energy and industrial capacity in collaboration with Nepal's newly elected cabinet.

In October, China reestablished the border crossing with Nepal as a passage to transport the necessary supplies. A delivery worth 1,000 tonnes of petrol, pledged earlier by China, recently arrived in Nepal.

"I'm very happy to note the government of China has instructed the concerned petroleum export authority to be in touch and discuss issues related with the long trade of petroleum products of Nepal," said Thapa, asking China to think about a long-term trade in petroleum products.

One of Thapa's main objectives is to finalize a commercial deal, stipulating China to import fuel to Nepal.

The Nepalese Foreign Minister was welcomed as a high level dignitary, an important visit marking the 60^th year of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.

Nepal's new cabinet aims to preserve the country's long-standing policy with China, that focuses on enhancing cooperation and sharing development opportunities.

TagsNepal, strengthen ties, Nepal Energy Crisis, Kamal Thapa