KATHMANDU: The United States Embassy in Kathmandu has said that the document published by some online outlets purporting to be a military deal between the United States and Nepal is fake.
“By policy, the United States does not ask countries to join the State Partnership Program and only responds to requests for consideration,” the Embassy has said.
The State Partnership Program (SPP) is an exchange program between an American state’s National Guard and a partner foreign country.
The U.S. National Guard domestically supports U.S. first responders in dealing with natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, it added.
According to the statement, SPP has existed for over 25 years and includes over 80 partnerships with over 90 countries, the majority of which are not in this region.
In the event of natural and other disasters, ranging from hurricanes to earthquakes, floods, and fires, the United States seeks to share the best practices and capabilities of our National Guards — our first-line responders.
SPP can be an effective means of facilitating this type of cooperation.
It may be noted that Chief Whip of Maoist Center, Dev Prasad Gurung, speaking at the parliament, said that the government’s plan to sign SPP with the United States was aimed at allowing the US Army to permanently stay in Nepal.
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