Pacific Endeavor-2018, a communication exercise under the Multinational Communications Interoperability Program (MCIP) started in Kathmandu on Monday.

The basic objective of 12 day exercise is to develop common communications operating procedures to enable military forces in the Asia Pacific region to collectively work in the wake of disaster.

Around 270 personnel from 20 Asia-Pacific Countries are participating in the exercise, which is jointly organised by the Nepali Army and United States Pacific Command. 

Inaugurating the exercise,Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Nepal, Major General Prabhuram Sharma said that it will contribute in sustainable reduction of disaster risk and losses of life.

He also said that this regional partnership will promote timely and effective deployment of multinational military forces and international humanitarian agencies during disaster.

Pacific Endeavor began in 2005 and it focuses on establishing rapid and effective interoperable communication systems to jointly act in disaster relief operations.