British Army Chief arriving in Kathmandu on six-day official visit

British Army Chief General Sir David Julian Richards is arriving in Kathmandu on Thursday on a six-day official visit to Himalayan nation at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart General Chhatra Man Singh Gurung.

The visiting General Richards will pay a courtesy call to President Dr Ram Baran Yadav at the President's Office in Shital Niwas on Friday morning and then call on Defense Minister Bidhya Devi Bhandari later in the afternoon. He will meet Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Sunday afternoon.

He is also scheduled to attend various programs organized by the British Gurkha Nepal Society, Area Welfare Center including the ex-British Gurkha soldiers during his stay in Nepal.

The British Army chief's visit comes after the visit of Indian Army chief Deepak Kapoor to Nepal last month during which time the latter was conferred with the honorary title of General of Nepal Army.

According to Public Relations Directorate of Nepal Army, General Richards is scheduled to attend a Wreath Laying ceremony at "Bir Smarak" at Army grounds in Tudhikhel and receive a guard of honor from Nepal Army on Friday. The same day, the British Army chief will meet his Nepali counterpart Gurung and attend a dinner to be hosted in his honor in the evening.

Nepal and Britain share historical tie as Nepali youths began serving with British Army when Britain was still ruling in India. Over 3,000 Nepali youths are serving with British Gurkha Regiments even today.

- Asian Tribune -