President hails Japan's development assistance

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Feb. 3: President Ramchandra Paudel has appreciated Japan's consistent cooperation in Nepal's development and called for further assistance in the yeasts ahead.

Addressing a special ceremony organised to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, President Paudel said that following the resolution of political issues, Nepal’s focus has now shifted toward achieving rapid socio-economic development, progress, and prosperity for its people.

President Paudel expressed confidence that the event would elevate bilateral relations to a new level and pave the way for deeper and more productive cooperation in the years ahead.

He stated that the Nepal-Japan relations encompass not only political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions but also strong people-to-people ties, which have continued to deepen through exchanges of high-level visits and expanding cooperation.

“There is a strong similarity between Nepal and Japan in terms of culture, religion, values, and ways of life, particularly those inspired by the teachings of Lord Buddha. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, serves as a strong bridge in fostering harmonious relations between the peoples of Nepal and Japan. We are grateful for Japan’s continued support in developing Lumbini as a source of world peace,” he said.

President Paudel stated that Japan has long been one of Nepal’s major partners in development assistance, trade, investment, tourism, and other sectors. He also said that Nepal is set to graduate from the Least Developed Country category by the end of this year, to become a middle-income country by 2030. “Therefore, we are focused on attracting additional foreign investment in national priority sectors, expanding Nepal’s trade, diversifying connectivity, promoting tourism, and acquiring advanced technology,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction that Nepal has emerged as a preferred destination for Japanese tourists, President Paudel said that many visitors from Japan were drawn by Nepal’s adventure tourism offerings and its rich natural and cultural diversity. He added that Nepal is keen to further expand cooperation with Japan in the tourism sector.

The President also expressed gratitude to Japan for being a preferred destination for Nepali youth and students and for ensuring the safety and security of Nepali citizens residing there.

“Our two countries share a long history of cordial friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956, Nepal and Japan have enjoyed warm and friendly relations based on mutual respect, trust, understanding, and cooperation,” he said.

Earlier, Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hori Iwao, paid a courtesy call on President Paudel. During the meeting, State Minister Hori said that such visits play an important role in further strengthening bilateral relations. He remarked that peace in Nepal signifies peace and development in the wider region and expressed Japan’s wish for the successful conduct of the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, in the interest of peace and stability.

At the invitation of the Government of Japan, President Paudel is on a four-day visit to Japan, leading a Nepali delegation along with First Lady Sabita Paudel, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. He was received at Narita International Airport by the Chief of Protocol of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan’s Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru, Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires to Japan Harihar Kant Paudel, and other officials.

During the visit, President Paudel is scheduled to pay a state courtesy call on Japan’s Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and hold talks with Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, on Tuesday.

Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan were established on September 1, 1956. Nepal opened its embassy in Tokyo in 1965, while Japan established its embassy in Kathmandu in 1967.

Later on Monday, the President observed the Nepali Embassy in Tokyo.