Kathmandu: The first ever joint military drill between Nepal and China -- Sagarmatha Friendship-2017 -- kicked off at Nepal Army's Para Training School in Maharajgunj in Kathmandu on Sunday.
The Chinese Army's squad is participating in the military exercise that will focus on counter terrorism and disaster response. The 10-day exercise will conclude on April 25.
DGMO of Nepal Army General Binod Kumar Shrestha inaugurated the exercise.
"We hope that such joint military exercise would help the Nepali and Chinese armies to boost their professional capabilities," Gen. Shrestha said.
Highlighting the historic ties between Nepali and Chinese armies, Colonel Yang Shumeng, leading the Chinese side, said such exercise would help understanding on counter terrorism and strengthening military ties.
The joint training with China marks the Nepali Army's extension of military diplomacy.
The army has long been conducting joint military drills with the Indian and US armies.
The exercise is taking place at the Maharajgunj-based training school where Yuddha Bhairab, Mahabir and Bhairabnath Battalions are located.
Initially it was planned outside Kathmandu.
The country's army said the military exercise with China was a step towards preparations against the possible threat from terrorism.
The national defence forces from the two countries have increased their engagement of late.
On February 19, Major General Zhao Jinsong of the western command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army was in Nepal on a three-day visit.
Comments
0 comment