CoAS Sharma leaves for Sydney to participate in CHOD meet

Kathmandu, July 24 : Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) General Prabhu Ram Sharma left for a three-day official visit to Australia on Saturday to participate in the Annual Chiefs of Defence (CHOD) Conference, an international conference of military chiefs of various countries organised by the Indo-Pacific Command of the United States of America.

The conference is going to be held in Sydney, Australia from July 9 to 11. The Nepali Army has been continuously participating in the conference since 2000 AD.

On Saturday morning, CoAS Sharma was paid a guard of honour by a troop of the Nepalis Army at the Army Headquarters before his departure. 

The conference is coordinated by Australian Defence Force. The Cabinet meeting held on July 15 had endorsed his visit to Australia.

In the conference, which will be held in the presence of the army chiefs of the countries located in the Asia Pacific region, there will be a discussion on various security issues including the aspects of international security and mutual cooperation, according to Brigadier General and Spokesperson for the Army Headquarters Narayan Silwal. 

There will be discussion, interaction and exchange of views on contemporary issues such as international security and its situation, technology, strategic thinking among the army chiefs of the participating countries.

The Nepali Army believes that through such kind of discussion and interaction, mutual military relations and harmony between the armies of the participating countries and the Nepalis Army will be further expanded and will contribute positively to Nepal's foreign policy through military diplomacy.

In the absence of General Sharma, Lieutenant and Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) Bal Krishna Karki will look after the charge as acting army chief. 

After the conclusion of the conference, CoAS Sharma will stay there for additional 11 days for a family meeting. “Accordingly, his leave has been approved by the Cabinet," said Silwal.

CoAS Sharma is scheduled to return home on August 7.