KATHMANDU - The development in Tibet is China's top priority and Tibet is developing faster, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yang Houlan said here Friday.

"I would like to congratulate all Tibetan people on this auspicious occasion of the New Year celebration," Yang said at a reception organized by the Chinese embassy here to mark the Tibetan New Year.

He also praised Tibetan friends living in Nepal for their tireless efforts to strengthen ties between Nepal and China.

The Tibetan New Year called Losar is the most important festival of Tibetans. It begins on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar and lasts 15 days.