Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 28

British chief of the defence staff Admiral Sir Michael Boyce, who returned on Tuesday completing a five-day visit, highlighted the role of the brigade of Gurkhas in strengthening ties between Nepal and the United Kingdom.

“The brigade of Gurkhas remains a cornerstone of ties and helps to focus continued UK interest of Nepal, its people and its development,” said Sir Boyce. Stressing on the long standing relationship between the two countries, he called his visit “fruitful” and said it was “stimulating and fascinating”.

The chief of defence staff, who arrived here on Friday on the invitation of chief of army staff General Prajwalla SJB Rana, in his departure statement said: “I have seen the support of the Gurkha Welfare Centre to retired soldiers and the assistance to serving soldiers and Gurkha communities by British Gurkhas Nepal.”

During his stay, Sir Boyce met the King, the prime minister and senior military officials. He also visited Dharan where he met retired Gurkha soldiers.