Kathmandu, February 27:

French Ambassador to Nepal Michel Jolivet today handed over certificates to five mountaineering guides who successfully completed the Second High Mountain Rescue Training (HMRT).

Two French experts — Bernard Guerin and Dr Fredric Champly provided the 17-day training.

“These joint collaborations will strengthen the Nepal-France friendship,” said Jolivet.

The organisers have plans to train around 100 rescuers by 2009 and to establish a central rescue squad in Kathmandu and regional rescue squads in various parts of the country. Rescue training at high altitude has proved beneficial in minimising the accident in mountaineers.