Kathmandu, Feb. 14 -- Newly appointed Chinese ambassador Zhang Maoming formally assumed office in Kathmandu on Friday, pledging to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance the long-standing friendship between Nepal and China.

In a message, the envoy said he was "deeply honoured" to take up the role entrusted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing the appointment as both a privilege and a responsibility.

Zhang was one of the deputy directors at the Department of Asian Affairs at the Chinese foreign ministry before being appointed the ambassador in Kathmandu.

He replaced Chen Song, who earlier returned to China after completing his three-year tenure and getting a promotion.

Highlighting the historical ties between the n...