Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, is returning home after completing her term.
Though there were comments that she was being returned before the completion of the term, she has stayed beyond her term in Nepal. The career diplomat is said to be close to Prime Minister Li Kequiang.
After a long gap, President Xi Jinping visited Nepal during her term. Also, several high-level visits were held from China during her term.
Ambassador Yanqi has already paid a farewell call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Narayan Khadka. In the meeting, the Chinese envoy recalled bilateral cooperation that became possible during her term, according to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
Ambassadors pay a customary farewell call before returning home upon completion of their term. Most of our ambassadors, however, do not get the opportunity. But foreign envoys in Nepal have been getting the opportunity easily.
US Ambassador Randy Berry, who returned back after completing his term a few days ago, also held such farewell meetings. India ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra not only held farewell meetings but also invited Nepali leaders to attend a reception at the embassy. Even Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba attended the reception.
The new US ambassador to Nepal, Dean Thompson, is arriving next month. China has not yet named its new ambassador to Nepal. But the post won’t remain vacant for long. Embassy source said China will send a senior diplomat who knows Nepal well.
