KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan marks an important milestone in bilateral ties.
During a courtesy meeting with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii on Monday, President Paudel said Japan has been a reliable and important development partner in Nepal’s social and economic development, according to the Office of the President.
President Paudel noted that Japan has long supported Nepal through bilateral grants and loans, multilateral assistance and technical cooperation, contributing significantly to human resource development, health, agriculture, infrastructure, environmental protection and cultural preservation. He expressed Nepal’s desire to further benefit from Japan’s experience, knowledge, skills and technology in these sectors.
Stating that Nepal is preparing to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026, President Paudel expressed confidence that Nepal would continue to receive Japan’s goodwill and cooperation. He also said there is strong potential to attract Japanese investment in Nepal’s priority development sectors, adding that Nepal has already undertaken legal, procedural and institutional reforms to improve the business climate and promote foreign investment and innovation.
Referring to shared cultural values inspired by the teachings of Gautam Buddha, President Paudel said Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, serves as a strong bridge between the people of Nepal and Japan. He thanked Japan for its support in the development of Lumbini and acknowledged the contribution of the Nepali migrant community to strengthening bilateral relations.
On the occasion, Japanese State Minister Iwao Horii praised President Paudel’s role in safeguarding the Constitution and democracy following the events of September 8–9, saying his leadership had been widely appreciated internationally. He reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for peace, stability and democratic consolidation in Nepal.
The Japanese minister also expressed Japan’s expectation that the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 would be held successfully, noting that Nepal’s peace and prosperity are vital for regional stability. He further assured continued Japanese assistance for Nepal’s development, informing that decisions have already been made to reconstruct the flood-damaged Kathmandu–Sindhuli road and build an underpass at Koteshwor to improve traffic management.
President Paudel is currently on an official four-day visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese government, accompanied by First Lady Sabita Paudel and a Nepali delegation, to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations.
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