Multi-nation military drill kicks off in Nepal

Over 1,000 army personnel from 28 countries, including India, are participating in a multi- nation military drill in Nepal aimed at training defence personnel for participation in the UN peacekeeping missions.
The 15-day military exercise, kicked off yesterday at Birendra Peace Operation Training Centre, Panchkhal.
As many as 1,024 Army personnel are taking part in the exercise conducted by Nepal Army jointly with the Pacific Command of the US Army (USPACOM).
The military exercise is expected to create an environment for those who get deployed in the peacekeeping missions in war-hit countries across the world.
This will also help strengthening the military relationship and also learning from each others experience, a statement issued by Nepal Army headquarters said.

Inaugurating the exercise, Prime Minister Prachanda said UN peacekeepers are the vanguard and one of the key tools of the international community to restore peace and security in the conflict-hit areas.

"I hope this exercise will enable all the participants to deliver their duties and responsibilities with professionalism and dedication to uphold the earned glory of their predecessors as UN peacekeepers," he said.
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Commander of the US Pacific Command Admiral Harris also called on Prime Minister Prachanda here at his official residence.
Prachanda expressed gratitude for the support the US government has provided in Nepal's security as well as in other fields.

During the meeting, Prachanda also condoled the loss of six US security personnel during the rescue operations carried out in rural areas of Nepal,after the Himalayan nation was hit by a devastating earthquake in April 2015, a statement from the Prime Minister's Secretariat said.
Admiral Harris commended Nepal's commitment to international peacekeeping.
He also thanked the Nepalese government for the opportunity provided to the US army to study inArmy Command and Staff College under the Nepal Army and learn mountain warfare.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the exercise, Admiral Harris said, "Partnerships play a critical role in meeting global challenges, from maintaining peace to providing humanitarian assistance after natural disasters."

This kind of multinational training can deepen mutual understanding and respect, and encourage further collaboration, he said.