China has been wooing Nepal, which rival India considers as within its sphere of influence, with pledges of development in the Himalayan nation sandwiched between the regional giants.

Kathmandu has also sought closer ties and much-needed energy and infrastructure investments from Beijing.

In a joint statement, the two countries said Xi’s visit “marked the beginning of a new era in Nepal-China relations and served as an important milestone in the history of friendly cooperation.”

During the visit, Nepali and Chinese officials signed at least 15 agreements, including a feasibility study for a cross-border railway project that would give Beijing access to the south through Nepal’s open border with India.

They also undertook to carry out another feasibility study to construct a tunnel from China’s Kerung to Kathmandu and to repair existing highways, as well as to strengthen hydropower, security, trade and education links.