Article Posted on : - Oct 14, 2016

KATHMANDU (PTI): China will provide assistance for Nepal Army's modernisation programme and strengthening its disaster management capabilities, sources said on Thursday.

China made the commitment during a recent visit by Defence Minister Balkrishna Khand to China during which he met his Chinese counterpart General Chang Wangquan, who is also the member of the Central Military Commission of China, sources said.

The exact nature of China's help to the Nepalese Army for its modernisation was not spelt out.

During the meeting, Khand stressed the development of a standard on basis of cooperation and support to deal with the current security challenges facing the world.

He also took part in the Enhance Security Dialogue and Cooperation: Build a New Model of International Relation 7th Xiangshan Forum held in Beijing from October 10 to 12.

Khand visited China at the invitation of China Association for Military and China Institute Strategic Studies (CIISS).

He pledged Nepal's readiness for cooperation on regional and international security policies and standards.

Both the ministers discussed matters relating to Nepal's new Constitution, Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Nepal and security cooperation, sources said.