KATHMANDU: Ambassador of Japan to Nepal KIKUTA Yutaka paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sher Bhadur Deuba at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar Thursday.
Ambassador Kikuta congratulated Prime Minister Deuba in person for his appointment and the successful vote of confidence at the Parliament. Ambassador handed a congratulatory letter from Japan’s Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide to Prime Minister Deuba on this occasion. Prime Minister Deuba expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Suga for his congratulations.
Ambassador Kikuta and Prime Minister Deuba shared views on bilateral relations in view of the upcoming year, 2022, which marks 120th anniversary of student-exchanges between the two nations.
The Japanese ambassador also touched upon the post-COVID social and economic development of Nepal. Japan has been a friendly development partner to Nepal and is helping to improve the daily lives of Nepali people even amidst the COVID-19 situation. It recently pledged about 1.6 million Japanese-made AstraZeneca vaccine for Nepal through COVAX facility.
The Japanese vaccine donation is followed by medical equipment assistance for Nepali hospitals to fight against the pandemic together. Prime Minister Deuba expressed his appreciation for Japan’s cooperation, including the vaccine donation.
Ambassador Kikuta hoped the special close ties between Japan and Nepal would continue for long and the people-to-people exchanges of the two countries would resume once the COVID-19 situation is eased.
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