US concerned about peace in Indo-Pacific region, says US Admiral Davidson

Published On: January 11, 2019 05:54 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Jan 11: Admiral Philip S Davidson, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, on Friday morning held a meeting with Defense Minister Ishwor Pokharel at the Ministry of Defense in Singha Durbar.

During the meeting with Defense Minister Pokharel, US Commander Davidson appreciated the Nepal Army’s contribution to the world peace saying that it has helped establish its positive image across the globe. “As a US Indo-Pacific commander I am concerned about the peace in the Indo-Pacific region since I have a big responsibility. We are discussing issues related to helping Nepal,” said the press release issued by the Defense Ministry.

In response, Defense Minister Ishwor Pokharel lauded the joint military trainings being held between Nepal and America. During the meeting, Minister Pokharel also urged American government to assist Nepal in the sector of skill development of Nepal Army, up-gradation of Birendra Peace Operations Training Center and logistics required for disaster management.

Admiral Davidson, who came to Nepal yesterday, returned home today wrapping up his two-day official visit to Nepal.

Major General Gaurab Tandul bade him farewell at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

During his two-day Nepal visit, Davidson held discussions with Nepal Army Chief Purna Chandra Thapa in a meeting at the army headquarters.

The US commander also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and visited the Birendra Peace Operations Training Center at Panchkhal.

During his recent meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali had requested the US to help upgrade the Panchkhal training center. At the meeting that was held at the political level in a gap of 17 years, the two leaders had discussed resolving legal hurdles to procure over 6,000 M-16 rifles from the US government.

Nepal’s procurement law requires that payments are made only on an installment basis but the US is asking for payment for the purchase in a lump sum.