Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel departed for Beijing on Sunday for an official visit to China.
According to the Nepali Army’s Directorate of Public Relations and Information, Sigdel will participate in the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum during his weeklong visit.
The Beijing Xiangshan Forum was founded in 2006 by the Chinese Society of Military Science as a track two dialogue venue to address security issues in the Asia Pacific.
This is CoAS Sigdel’s first visit to China since he assumed office on September 9, 2024.
Lieutenant General Pradeep Jung KC and other senior Nepali Army officials saw off CoAS Sigdel at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
“The visit is expected to further strengthen military ties between Nepal and China and contribute to Nepal’s foreign policy through military diplomacy,” the directorate said in the statement.
A contingent of the Nepali Army presented a guard of honour to CoAS Sigdel before his departure at the Army Headquarters.
Lieutenant General KC will assume the duties of Acting Chief of Army Staff during Sigdel’s absence, according to the statement.
