Nepal's Chief of Army Staff Gaurab Shumsher Rana on Friday afternoon left for China on an official visit.

Rana is leading a five-member delegation of Nepali military officials in the week-long visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two neighbors.

"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," a statement from Nepal Army headquarters said.