Defense Minister Bhandari to visit China

Defense Minister Bidya Devi Bhandari is making official visit to People’s Republic of China from March 26 at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart Liang Guangli.

Defense Secretary Nabin Ghimire, two senior army officials and the minister’s press advisor will accompany her during the nine-day trip to the northern neighbor.

Earlier last month, Home Minister Bhim Rawal along with the chiefs of three security agencies under the ministry had made a visit to China.

Officials at Ministry of Defense said Minister Bhandari is expected seek Chinese assistance including arms and ammunitions and other necessary logistics to Nepal Army (NA).

Satisfied over Nepal’s bid to contain anti-China activities in Nepali soil, China has already announced various assistances to its southern neighbor including 28-million RMB-worth military assistance to NA.

The visit of Minister Bhandari to China comes after her visit to India August last year. Bhandari had helped resume the military assistance that the southern neighbor had put on hold after the then King Gyanendra dismissed the elected government and imposed army-backed dictatorial rule in the country in February, 2005.

Nepal Army has special relations with Indian army as both the army regards each other’s chiefs as their honorary general. Most of the arms and logistics required for NA are procured from India.

- Asian Tribune -