Chief of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Chen Bingde wrapped up a three-day visit to Nepal on Friday. He was in Kathmandu with a 15 member delegation at the invitation of Nepal's Army chief, General Chhatraman Singh Gurung.
During the visit, General Chen signed a memorandum of understanding with General Gurung pledging aid worth $19.9 million dollars to the Nepal Army. China will provide medical equipment for the army hospital, logistics for rescue operations and engineering equipment including heavy construction vehicles.
He also met President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Defence Minister Bishnu Poudel, and heads of other security organs. Mr. Khanal assured the General of Nepal's full commitment to the ‘One China Policy', while General Chen passed on a congratulatory message from the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, expressing confidence that the Khanal-led government would be able to ensure peace, stability and development in the country.
“The purpose of my visit is to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Nepal and China. This is not only conducive for our people but also for world peace and the Asia Pacific region,” General Chen told reporters. This was the highest-ranking Chinese military delegation visit to Nepal in more that a decade.
