Key Takeaways:

• Visit scheduled Sept 13–19, at the invitation of the Chinese government
• Sigdel will attend the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing
• Nepali Army says visit will strengthen military relations and diplomacy
• Lt Gen Pradeep Jung KC assumes duties as acting chief during Sigdel's absence

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 13 Chief of the Nepali Army, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, left for Beijing on Sunday for a formal visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese government. Sigdel is scheduled to visit China from September 13 to 19 and attend the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, according to the Nepal Army. The visit is expected to help strengthen military relations between Nepal and China and contribute to Nepal's foreign policy through military diplomacy, the army said. Sigdel was seen off at Tribhuvan International Airport by Lieutenant General Pradeep Jung KC, the Chief of Staff of the Nepal Army. Before his departure, an army contingent presented a guard of honour to him at Army Headquarters. KC will assume the duties of acting chief of the Nepal Army in Sigdel's absence.