A meeting of Nepal's Council of Ministers on Thursday approved the week-long visit of Army Chief Gaurab Shumsher Rana to China that starts Friday.

The visit will be in response to an official invitation from General Fang Fenghui, chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA), said a statement from Nepali Army Headquarters.

"The centuries old friendly relations between Nepal and China entered a new phase with the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1955. Since then, the mutual high level political and military visits have been strengthening our relations," said the statement.

During the visit, Rana will meet General Fang and other senior PLA officials including Deputy Chairman of Central Military Commission General Xu Qiliang.

Rana will also visit various military regions and have

interactions with the regional military chiefs.

As a part of the visit, Nepal and China will sign a protocol, under which China will provide two mobile hospitals to Nepal to be used in disaster management.