KATHMANDU - Nepalese Chief of the Army Staff Gaurav SJB Rana has appreciated the role and assistance of neighboring China and its People's Liberation Army in the ongoing rescue and relief program in the quake-hit Nepal.

During a visit of the Chinese military medical camp in Kathmandu with the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai on Thursday, Rana appreciated the effective and flexible assistance of Chinese team who has been working in search and rescue, as well as medical and anti-epidemic efforts.

"Nepal Army is pleased with the grateful support that China is lending at this difficult moment. They have reached to the remote parts, where road transportations have been cut off. They have provided all necessary supplies as per our need", Chief of the Army Staff Rana told Xinhua.

The Chinese military medical camp has been treating the survivors of remote parts of Sindhupalchowk, Gorkha, Kavre and Dhading districts.

Till Thursday, the team has conducted 87 operations in the camp including 23 major surgeries.

Quoting an old proverb, "A friend in a need is a friend indeed", Nepalese Chief of the Army Staff also thanked the northern neighbor for rebuilding the 36 kilometers of road in the north- eastern part of Nepal that borders China, which was damaged by landslide triggered by quake.

On the occasion, Rana also visited the patients being treated at the medical camp and inquired about their health conditions.