Kathmandu, 13 September (H.S.): Chief of the Nepali Army General Ashok Raj Sigdel is beginning his official visit to China today. This will be his first visit to China since assuming office as Army Chief. During the visit, significant discussions are expected on military relations and cooperation between the two countries.

According to the Nepali Army Headquarters, General Sigdel will be in China from September 13 to 19. He will depart for Chengdu, China, on Sunday on an Air China flight. China has reportedly invited army chiefs and military representatives from more than 100 countries to participate in an international military event. General Sigdel is travelling to China to attend the programme.

The armies of Nepal and China have continued to cooperate in areas including joint military exercises, training, disaster management and humanitarian assistance. Against this backdrop, the visit of the Nepali Army Chief is being regarded as significant for the military ties between the two countries.

General Sigdel will return to Nepal on September 19. His visit is also being viewed as significant in the context of Nepal’s evolving regional security environment and efforts to strengthen military relations with its neighbouring countries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar