Kathmandu (PTI): China on Friday lauded Nepal for measures taken by it in ensuring a smooth ascend of the Olympic flame atop the Mount Everest without any threat of protests on the mountain.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhen Xiangling, during a meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, thanked the Nepal government for making necessary arrangements for the purpose, the Chinese Embassy here said in a statement.

Zheng lauded the role played by Nepal government, Nepal Army and various government bodies to prevent any anti-China protests, it said.

Nepal government has deployed more than two dozen security personnel in the Everest base camp to prevent any disturbances by the pro-Tibet activists in carrying the Olympic torch to the summit.

It had also banned expeditions to the Everest since May 1 as per the request made by Chinese government.

"Taking the Olympic torch to the top of the Everest was a matter of great pride," Koirala said during the meeting while expressing hope that the Nepal-China ties would be further strengthened by the act.

The prime minister forwarded a message of congratulation to Chinese President Hu Jintao. "The Olympic Games have always been the symbol of peace, understanding and solidarity," he in his message.