Article Posted on : - Mar 26, 2011

KATHMANDU (PTI): Chinese Army chief has announced a whopping aid of USD 19 million to the Nepalese army on conclusion of his visit to the country, during which he also met Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, a trip that further cemented bilateral ties.

Chief of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China Chen Bingde, who arrived here on an official visit announced the highest assistance provided so far by China to Nepal Army, for constructing an Army hospital.

"China's emergence as a prosperous power not only helps establish peace and stability in the region but also in the whole world," Khanal told Chen when the Chines army chief visited him.

Chen's visit to Nepal is considered significant as it is taking place at a time when the Maoists have just joined the CPN-UML led government but the major parties are yet to agree on a common agenda to settle the issue relating to army integration and rehabilitation.

General Chen is accompanied by Commander of the Chinese People's Armed Force Lt. Gen.Wang Jianping, Maj.Gen. Yang Jinshan of the Tibet Military Command and Maj.Gen.Quian Lihua, head of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Ministry of National Defence, sources at Nepal Army Headquarters said Thursday.

Nepal Army chief Chhatra Man Singh Gurung and visiting Chinese army chief Bingde have signed in a Memorandum of Understanding for providing the economic assistance of Rs.1.3 billion (USD 19 million) that would be utilised mainly for purchasing medical equipments for Birendra Army Hospital, Chhauni and heavy machinery equipments meant for construction and development works.

"The purpose of the visit was to further enhancing mutual understanding, promoting friendship, strengthening cooperation and propelling the China-Nepal Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship to move ahead constantly," reads a press release issued by Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

During the meeting with Chen Prime Minister reiterated Nepal's adherence to One-China policy and not to allow any anti-China activities in the territory of Nepal.

The Prime Minister said that Nepal feels proud to see the immense progress China had made in the last 30 years.

He also apprised the delegation of present peace and constitution making process in Nepal.

Economically developing and politically stable Nepal is important not only for the stability of Asia pacific region but also for the whole world, said General Chen.

He expressed firm belief that Nepalese government and people are fully capable of solving their problems and expressed hope that current peace process will come to fruitful conclusion soon.