KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Narayan Khadka said Japanese government’s assistance to Nepal was very important for the development of Nepal.

Addressing the 48th anniversary of JICA Alumni Association of Nepal (JAAN) here today, Minister Khadka commended Japanese government’s unconditional support to Nepal since the diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan in 1956 till now, including during the COVID-19 crisis.

Nepal should learn a lot from Japan’s development, the Minister viewed, adding that Japan’s efforts to become a prosperous country by prioritizing education and health in the initial stage was worth emulating for Nepal. He also urged the Japan returnee Nepalis to optimally utilize their skills, capacity and knowledge earned and learned in Japan for the greater good of our country.

JAAN is established by Nepali trainees and students who obtained various trainings and academic education under JICA programme in Japan. It has a total of 1,300 members who are currently working in Japan.

The organization has been providing orientation to Nepalis travelling to Japan as well as extending support in areas of agriculture, education and health among others in various places across the country.

On the anniversary today, JAAN launched a magazine named Milan, informed JAAN President Ramchandra Bhusal.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka also extended his best wishes to JAAN for its anniversary and contributing towards further strengthening Japan-Nepal relations.