KATHMANDU - The Chinese government has assigned China's ambassador to Nepal Yang Houlan to be the ambassador of China to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

The Chinese envoy submitted his Letter of Credence to this effect to Ahmed Saleem, secretary-general of the SAARC at his office in Nepali capital Kathmandu Thursday afternoon.

In the letter to Saleem, Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi said the assignment is aimed to consolidate and enhance China's friendly relations and cooperation with SAARC.

China is an observer nation of the eight-member regional organization established in 1985.

Saleem stressed that the organization has the responsibility to convey positive information of strengthening cooperation to the world and he is willing to be committed to the development of SAARC-China relations.