Nepal's President Concludes Four-Day Japan Visit, Strengthening Bilateral Ties, Says Foreign Secretary

Kathmandu. Foreign Secretary Bharat Bahadur Rai stated that President Ramchandra Paudel's four-day official visit to Japan has significantly contributed to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

Secretary Rai made these remarks while briefing the press about the visit at the VIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport today, as President Paudel was returning home after concluding his Japan tour.

President Paudel returned home today after completing a four-day visit to Japan from Magh 18 to 21, at the friendly invitation of the Government of Japan, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan.

During the visit, on Magh 20, President Paudel and the First Lady Savita Paudel met with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in Tokyo.

On that occasion, Secretary Rai stated that there was an exchange of views on various aspects of Nepal-Japan relations, which are based on deep friendship, goodwill, and cooperation, along with the profound significance of the historic 70th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations.

Secretary Rai further informed that during the meeting between President Paudel and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the same day, the excellent relations that have existed between Nepal and Japan over the past 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations were reviewed. Discussions were also held on further strengthening Nepal-Japan relations in the coming year.

Discussions were also held on advancing cooperation to enhance mutual interests in areas such as trade, investment, human resource development, health, agriculture, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, culture, and tourism between the two countries.

Prime Minister Kishida highly praised the role played by President Paudel in protecting the constitution and democracy, and expressed Japan's commitment to continuously support Nepal's economic progress, stability, and democratization. He wished success for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for the upcoming Falgun 21, stating that it is important for Nepal's stability and the entire region.

On the evening of the same day, President Paudel attended a reception organized by the Nepali Embassy. Addressing the program, he discussed the excellent relations between Nepal and Japan and praised Japan's continuous support for Nepal's socio-economic development efforts as a reliable development partner.

Earlier, on Magh 19, President Paudel participated in a special welcome ceremony organized by Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hori Iwao, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations.

Secretary Rai stated that addressing the ceremony, the President expressed happiness over the cordial relations between Nepal and Japan, which are based on mutual respect, trust, understanding, and cooperation.

Highlighting how Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, serves as a strong bridge in strengthening people-to-people relations between Nepal and Japan, President Paudel expressed gratitude for Japan's continuous support in the development of Lumbini as a source of world peace.

Furthermore, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao paid a courtesy call on President Paudel. Discussions were held on further collaboration in various areas of Nepal-Japan relations and mutual cooperation during that occasion.

On the same day, during a meeting with Japanese businessmen, entrepreneurs, and investors, President Paudel invited the Japanese business community to explore business opportunities in Nepal and assured them of all possible assistance from Nepal for investment.

President Paudel's delegation included his wife, Savita Paudel, and high-ranking officials from the Government of Nepal.