BEIJING, May 28  -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiangon Thursday sent a message to Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala to congratulate on the country's Republic Day.

In his message to mark Nepal's eighth Republic Day, Li said that China and Nepal have always insisted on supporting and helping each other. China respects and supports the social system and development path Nepalese people have chosen based on their own conditions and appreciates Nepal's long-standing one-China policy.

Moreover, Li said the Chinese side has offered assistance within its means to Nepal after the great earthquake on April 25. He also said he believes that the China-Nepal friendship will grow stronger as the rescue work moves forward.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Nepal. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Nepalese side to bring the China-Nepal comprehensive partnership of cooperation to a higher level.