China on Saturday agreed to provide Nepal with more than $120 million in economic development aid and to support Kathmandu's fragile peace process.

During his brief visit to Nepal, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with his Nepalese counterpart, Baburam Bhattarai, and oversaw the signing of several agreements. He also promised money for infrastructure projects to help rebuild the nation following a decade-long civil war that ended in 2006.

China's major concern in Nepal has been its thousands of Tibetan refugees who want independence from China. The Himalayan country, which is home to some 20,000 Tibetan exiles, is under pressure to stem the flow of Tibetans fleeing their homeland.

Before departing for the Middle East where he is due to visit Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, Premier Wen paid a courtesy call to Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav. While in the Middle East, Mr. Wen will attend the Fifth World Future Energy summit in Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Wen had planned to visit Nepal last month, but the trip was canceled for security reasons.