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New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Indian Army Chief General Bikram Singh, on a four-day's official visit to Nepal, was Wednesday conferred the rank of an honorary General of the Nepal Army.

President Ram Baran Yadav formally conferred the rank on Gen. Singh at a ceremony in Kathmandu also attended by Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, members of his cabinet and Nepal Army chief Gen. Chhatra Man Gurung.

The Indian and the Nepalese armies traditionally honour each other's chiefs by conferring the honorary rank of general.

The Nepal Army chief was similarly conferred the honorary rank of general of the Indian Army by President Pratibha Patil in December 2009.

Speaking on the occasion, Gen. Bikram Singh said it was "a great honour" to have been bestowed with the honorary rank.

"This will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and their armies," he said.

The Indian Army chief returns to New Delhi Friday.