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- 'Birds of Goodness' executes 43rd humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
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- Birds of Goodness executes 42nd humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
- Birds of Goodness executes 41st humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
- Birds of Goodness delivers over 3000 tons via 40 airdrops since humanitarian operation commenced.
- 'Birds of Goodness' executes 39th humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
- 'Birds of Goodness' executes 38th humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
- Saab delivers fourth GlobalEye to the UAE
- Birds of Goodness executes 37th humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
- Birds of Goodness executes 36th humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
- Birds of Goodness executes 35th humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
- Led by the Commander of Joint Operations .. A delegation from the Ministry of Defense, has initiated several-day visit to the People's Republic of China
- Birds of Goodness executes 34th humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
- Birds of Goodness' executes 33rd humanitarian aid airdrop in north Gaza
- Birds of Goodness delivers over 2,000 tonnes of aid via 32 airdrops since humanitarian operation began
- On the 2nd day of Eid al-Fitr... Birds of Goodness Executes 31st Humanitarian Airdrop and Eid Clothing in North Gaza
- On the first day of Eid Al-Fitr,UAE and Jordan conduct 14th joint food aid airdrop in northern Gaza
- UAE and Jordan conduct 13th joint food aid airdrop in northern Gaza
- 'Birds of Goodness' Executes 29th Humanitarian Aid Airdrop and Eid Clothing in North Gaza.
- UAE and Jordan conduct 12th joint food aid airdrop in northern Gaza
2015-09-01
UAE, NEPAL TO BOOST TIES
Training programs to come into focus
His Excellency the Nepalese Chief of Army Staff General Gaurav SJB Rana has emphasized that there has been cooperation and exchange of expertise with the UAE Armed Forces for years. Nepal has unique conditions for training, notably in high altitude and mountain training. Military-to-military exchanges are beneficial to both nations. The country contributes extensively to UN troop numbers. NATION SHIELD spoke at length on these matters to then Chief of Army Staff General Gaurav SJB Rana on a visit to the UAE.
The UAE and Nepal already have excellent relations – are there plans to boost them even further?
Yes very much so, I think. The government does have plans in this regard and that is one of the reasons it also gave us the sanction to come over to the UAE to IDEX. We have good connections and we certainly want to build on that foundation.
As to how we can invest these relations between both countries, on the social level, in Nepal for us to develop we need foreign direct investment. One of the areas is hydroelectricity where we have huge potential, the second largest potential in the world - around nearly 40,000 megawatts. Another area is in tourism development and there are lots of such opportunities. We are situated geo-strategically between China and India, two large markets. So there are opportunities for any trade or business around there that will help us in developing infrastructure such as roads and so on.
How can Nepal and the UAE contribute towards security?
We have a lot of Nepalese people working here (the UAE) for private civil security firms. There is also collaboration and exchange of expertise with the Armed Forces in the UAE for years now.We have military-to-military exchanges. We have extensive experience in high altitude mountain training and we have good anti-terrorist, anti-hijacking components. So exchange of training is also an important asset.
We have recently opened up training for foreign officers at different levels. The highest level is the Staff College Level, so if they come there, they will understand the region. We are situated between India and China so an officer who comes there can see and learn.
We are the only country that has people from China, India and Pakistan coming to train. We also have Americans and British training. I think military-to-military exchanges are also important. And in terms of UN training, we are the sixth- largest troop-contributing country in the world. At the moment, we have got about 4,500 people deployed all over in 14 nations such as South Sudan, Lebanon, Congo, Mali and more.
Your visit to IDEX – what was the objective and what were your impressions of the event?
To begin with, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to the Armed Forces in the UAE for the kind invitation for us to attend and participate in this international exhibition.This is the first time that we have been invited to the UAE. Nepal and the UAE share a very close friendship. My government felt that establishing military-to-military relations would bring the diplomatic relations to a full circle. We have the political, economic engagements taking place as well as the diplomatic ties. It shows that the relationship has developed and that is one aspect of it. The other is of course the technology and the knowledge and the trade.
As you know, we have just emerged from the comprehensive peace agreement. Because of the comprehensive peace agreement there was a conflict in Nepal with the Maoist problems. So there was a freeze on import of all lethal weapons and items for nearly seven to eight years. So now we are lagging behind very much in modernization. That is an area that the government has opened up and is providing us with the budgets. The experience here has been very beneficial.
You must have visited different exhibitions all over the world, what do you feel is unique about IDEX?
IDEX has a worldwide reputation. I feel that it is one of the most important exhibitions at the global level in terms of organization, number and diversity of participating companies and size of exhibits which are in keeping with state-of-the-art-technologies, in addition to the volume of collaboration and major deals that take place during the period of its organization, as well as the great number of visitors who come to recognize and make use of the latest innovations and technologies in the field of defense industries. This exhibition is also an important opportunity to strengthen the relations with various partners and friends all over the world.
The opening was excellent. There are very few exhibitions which combine stands as well as the live demonstrations. That is a unique aspect.
What is your opinion on the UAE’s national companies and what did you think of them at the exhibition?
I was very impressed by how intelligently you have invested the money you have. It has been invested in the right way, they have not just thrown money in and bought just any system.
I went to see what the ships are like but that is where we saw your Corvette Class Ship. It is a very intelligent way of investing. Indeed, the UAE has been able to employ all its various potential and invest in its different national human resources to keep up with technological development and progress at the global level. It managed within a short time to advance and match the world though its achievements at all levels. The UAE national companies have been able in their own right to be a real model of progress and innovation. Those who seek to achieve development have to take the UAE and its national companies as a glittering example in order to attain their ambitions in the field of defense industries.
The UAE has played a major role in humanitarian aid. What are your thoughts on our role in these missions?
The United Arab Emirates takes the lead in different roles of human aid, which is testified by everyone. The UAE Armed Forces have contributed, and are still contributing, to security assistance and relief operations in various afflicted areas. The UAE is always the first among countries to reach these regions to help the distressed.
I think there is a lot of potential in Nepal also. We are situated in South Asia and you are very close to South Asia, only four hours away. So when you have the seasonal monsoons or if there are big disasters in areas like Bangladesh, Pakistan and more importantly for us, in Nepal, if they have a big humanitarian disaster then I think the UAE is definitely an area we will ask for assistance.
What are your thoughts on military media? Do you think it is important in today’s age?
It’s very important. A lot of people have negative or wrong ideas about what the military is. The military is always used in difficult times, so when we go in difficult times there is always a controversy and the military gets caught. So it is very important that the media can convey the correct message.
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