July 22 : Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Prabhuram Sharma said the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has made a great sacrifice in the history of China and the relations between the armies of the two countries, Nepal and China, are cordial.    

"This relationship has become qualitatively stronger in recent times", he said.    

Addressing a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy here on Sunday evening on the occasion of the 97th Establishment Day of the PLA, Army Chief Sharma expressed gratitude to the

Chinese PLA for providing military assistance to Nepal. Stating that mutual relations based on the principles of Panchsheel have been further strengthened in recent times, Sharma said Nepal was committed to the one-China principle.    

"Nepal, a peace-loving nation, has a policy of maintaining friendship with all countries. Our foreign relations are also inspired by this ideal", he said.    

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, said China-Nepal relations are as strong as mountains and China has accorded high priority to its relations with Nepal.    

He said China-Nepal relations based on the principles of mutual harmony, respect, brotherhood and Panchsheel are continuously moving forward with mutual trust and cooperation.    

The Chinese ambassador also pledged to extend all possible support from China for Nepal's socio-economic development.    

Prominent personalities of the society were present on the occasion. A documentary depicting the history and activities of the PLA was also screened.  (RSS)