The visiting Indian dignitary was speaking at a flag-in ceremony of the joint Nepal-India Everest expedition team held at the Army Headquarters. [break]
The professionalism and standard of the Nepal Army is remarkable and worth learning in many ways, General Singh said, while pointing out the distinct relationship between the two armies“ "The spirit of the sacrifice and high team spirit made the expedition successful and this will certainly help further enhancing the historic and mutual relationshi”."
The joint expedition team was organized to mark the diamond jubilee of the first ascent of the world´s highest peak. The team which comprised 14 members from Nepal and 20 from the Indian Army, had also cleaned the routes and camp sites during their expedition. The joint team reached atop the peak on May 19.
In his congratulatory note, CoAS General Gaurav Shumsher JB Rana said“ "The joint attempts have added a new dimension in the relationship between two neighboring countries and become an example in preserving the ecological diversity of the Everest region by disposing more than four thousand kgs of garbage at camp II and camp I”."
"The successful attempt has once again elevated the prestige and valor of our armies and added another milestone in the annals of the mutual ties between the two armie”," Rana said.
Team leaders Major Sunil Singh Rathor of NA and Major Ranabir Singh Jamwal of IA made a presentation highlighting the historic and recent expedition events.
After the successful completion of the expedition, the joint army´s team also participated in the Everest Marathon 2013 and won six medals as well, according to the NA´s Department of Public Relations.
Various record-breaking summitters were also felicitated during the ceremony. Among those honoured were Appa Sherpa, who climbed Everest 21 times, Ang Rita Sherpa, ten time summitter without oxygen, Seven-Sister Ladies Expedition Group, Nima Chamji, the youngest climber and Min Bahadur Sherchan, the oldest Nepalese climber at the age of 77, who reached atop the peak four years ago.
Secretary at the Ministry of Defense Tilak Ram Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture adn Civil Aviation Sushil Ghimire, former CoASs, IGP Kuber Singh Rana, army officers and host of other dignitaries were on hand to felicitate the successful climbers.
Before participating in the ceremony, the visiting Indian dignitary also called on Chairman of Interim Election Council Khilaraj Regmi and CoAS Rana separately.
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