Kathmandu, Nepal : This week, U.S. Ambassador Dean Thompson delivered remarks at the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) held between the United States and Nepal Army Special Operations Forces, marking a significant step forward in bilateral defense cooperation.
The month-long JCET program brings together more than 32 participants from the Mahabir Ranger Regiment and the U.S. Air Force. The training focuses on critical disaster preparedness and response skills, including survivor extraction, aircraft operations, advanced medical techniques, and complex rescue missions.
As the U.S. and Nepal commemorate 78 years of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Thompson emphasized the United States’ continued commitment to enhancing Nepal’s disaster response capabilities. He recalled the crucial role of U.S.-Nepal collaboration during the 2015 earthquake and reaffirmed support for building Nepal’s resilience to future crises.
“This training reflects our enduring partnership and shared commitment to saving lives in times of crisis,” said Ambassador Thompson. “By strengthening our joint capabilities, we are helping ensure that Nepal is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to natural disasters.”
The JCET program underscores the growing professional collaboration between the defense forces of both nations. It is expected to significantly enhance the Nepal Army’s operational readiness and its capacity to deliver timely humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to affected communities.
The training initiative is part of broader U.S. efforts to support Nepal in building robust, responsive institutions equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly complex disaster landscape.
