Minister Dr Rana meets with Japanese Foreign Minister

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, who is on an official visit to Japan, held a bilateral meeting today with Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.

The meeting focused on various issues of Nepal-Japan bilateral relations, mutual interests and common concerns, marking the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan relations, which began in 1956, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the discussions, Dr Rana expressed her appreciation for Japan’s long standing cooperation in Nepal’s economic, social and other sectors. She also urged Japan to continue its support, especially as Nepal is set to graduate from a least developed country to a developing nation by 2026.

Dr Rana extended an invitation to Minister Takeshi to visit Nepal next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Highlighting investment opportunities in Nepal, she requested Takeshi to encourage Japanese industrialists and businessmen to invest, ensuring investment security and assurance.

She also requested the Japanese government to consider launching direct flights to Nepal, a proposal to which Minister Takeshi agreed to facilitate.

Referring to the centuries-old relationship between Nepal and Japan, she said, “The two countries have had ancient socio-cultural relations inspired by the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is also a cultural bridge between Nepal and Japanese citizens.”

Acknowledging the inflow of thousands of Japanese tourists to Nepal every year particularly for study and observing the natural and cultural wonders of Nepal, including Lumbini, the two leaders discussed the possible cooperation in tourism in the coming days.

Additionally, the Foreign Minister expressed her gratitude for Japan’s active engagement in the recently concluded “Sagarmatha Sambaad” organised by Nepal this week (May 15-18) , praising the role of the Japanese delegation led by Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA Akiko.