Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwor Pokhrel held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe in Beijing on Saturday.

A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Minister Pokhrel and Minister Wei on military cooperation between the two nations, according to which, China will provide an assistance of RMB 150 million to Nepal over a period of five years for the purpose of humanitarian and disaster relief equipment.

However, the details pertaining to how and when these fund or equipment will be released will be decided after finalising the protocols to this end through mutual consultations between the two sides. Nepal embassy in China believes the next meeting for this is likely to be held in a couple of months.

In the meeting, DPM Pokhrel highlighted the relations between Nepal and China and mentioned that the exchange of high-level visits between the two countries, including that of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in June 2018, have contributed in elevating bilateral relations to new heights by helping enhance trust and confidence at the highest political level.

Minister Pokharel further mentioned the importance of military co-operation in military training, hardware in humanitarian and disaster management, and medical equipment and peace-keeping operations, and requested for Chinese support in establishing Defence University in Nepal.

Likewise, Minister Wei appreciated Nepal’s one-China policy and support on the Tibet issue, and of China’s willingness to further strengthening co-operation between the armies of the two countries. He also agreed to provide necessary support to Nepal as proposed by DPM Pokhrel.

The details of such co-operation would be finalised through mutual consultation between the two sides.

The diplomatic relationship between Nepal and China’s military cooperation started from 1988 and has been ever growing. China assists Nepal in military training, disaster management, medical assistance, equipments and peace making operations. At the same time, Nepal is one of the preferred destinations for China’s PLA to conduct jungle warfare and high altitude warfare trainings.

Currently, Nepal relies on USA, China, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan for the high-level military training as only few such facilities are available back home. In this context, Defence Minister Pokhrel sought Chinese assistance on establishing a defence university in Nepal so that Nepal can independently prepare its military strength. China’s Defence Minister Wei responded to the proposal positively saying that the issue would be taken up for future consultations.

DPM Pokharel had left Kathmandu for China to attend the defence ministerial-level 8th Beijing Xiangshan Forum of Defence held in Beijing on Friday. He addressed the plenary session on UN Peacekeeping: Challenges and Cooperation.

The DPM also met Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China Gen Xu Qiliang on Friday. Various matters pertaining to mutual interests, such as bilateral co-operation in military training, disaster management, provision of medical assistance and equipment, and peacekeeping, were discussed during the meeting.  

The DPM attended a programme hosted by the Embassy of Nepal on the occasion of Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals on Friday evening.

Nepal Ambassador to China Leela Mani Paudyal welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister to the Embassy, and expressed his best wishes for the good health, happiness and prosperity of all Nepalis living in China.

The event was attended by more than 300 people from different walks of life of the Nepali community living in China.