(Xinhua is the Official Press Agency of the People's Republic of China)

LHASA (Nov. 1) XINHUA - Guo Jinlong, deputy secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region's Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), met this afternoon with a delegation from the National Democratic Party (NDP) of Nepal, led by its chairman, former Nepalese Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa.

Guo voiced appreciation for NDP's adhering to the position that Tibet is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Also, he spoke highly of Thapa's contributions to the development of Sino-Nepalese friendship during his term as prime minister.

Guo briefed the delegation on Tibet's economic development and development goals for the rest of the century.

Thapa said that the Chinese government's efforts to improve Tibetan people's lives and to protect Tibetan cultural relics left him with a deep impression.

Thapa, calling Nepal and China friendly neighbors with a long tradition of good relationship, said that members of his party hope that the friendship will get increasingly closer.

He reiterated NDP's principled stance on the "one China" policy, saying that no activity intended to divide China will be allowed in his country.

Aftering their arrival in Lhasa yesterday at CPC's invitation, the delegation has toured some scenic and cultural spots, in addition to discussions with local departments in charge of national and religious affairs.

The delegation is scheduled to leave for Nepal tomorrow.