Kathmandu: The Land Force Talk between the Nepali Army and the US Army is set to begin in Kathmandu from November 19, marking the first direct bilateral military dialogue with the US since the formation of the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The three-day meeting will conclude on November 21.
Nepali Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet said the discussions will primarily focus on experience-sharing, humanitarian assistance, and disaster management.
The Nepal–US Land Force Talk began in 2075 BS during the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa. The inaugural meeting was attended by US Army Major General Roger J. Noble and Nepali Army Lieutenant General Jagadish Chandra Pokharel.
This year, Lieutenant General Pawan Ghimire will lead the Nepali delegation. Joint Secretaries and senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Finance will also take part.
Land Force Talks are held alternately in Nepal and the United States each year and aim to strengthen military cooperation and partnership between the two countries.
This year’s agenda includes disaster management, support for Nepali peacekeepers, and discussions on helicopters and technical assistance. The talks will also cover US support for infrastructure development for peacekeeping personnel and training centers in Bara and Panchkhal.
The United States has previously provided two helicopters to the Nepali Army.
