The newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Maeda Toru, paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, on Tuesday.
In the meeting held in Singha Durbar, bilateral relations, mutual interests, and areas of cooperation between the two nations were discussed, informed the National Assembly chair's secretariat.
During the meeting, Chairman Dahal welcomed Ambassador Toru and expressed his confidence that the ambassador's tenure in Nepal would be pleasant, productive, and successful. Meanwhile, he highlighted the long-standing and close relationship between Nepal and Japan, expressing optimism that this bond would further strengthen in the future, with Ambassador Maeda playing a crucial role.
Chairman Dahal acknowledged the multifaceted assistance and technical cooperation Nepal has received from the Japanese government, particularly in infrastructure development, agriculture, health, industry, hydropower, and cultural and environmental conservation. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being done with Japanese expertise and technology, citing the Kathmandu-Nagdhunga tunnel project as a significant milestone in Nepal's advancement in tunnel technology.
The Chairman also noted the formation of the Nepal-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group within Nepal's Federal Parliament, which he believes will facilitate parliamentary relations, experience sharing, and exchange visits between the two countries.
He pointed out the significant presence of Nepali students in Japan for higher education and Japanese language studies, as well as the approximately 200,000 Nepalis residing in Japan for study, employment, and business purposes.
Chairman Dahal expressed gratitude for Japan's support during challenging times, such as the earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged Ambassador Maeda to encourage Japanese investors to explore opportunities in Nepal for the country's economic prosperity and development.
He also requested the ambassador to promote Nepal as a tourist destination for Japanese citizens, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. He expressed hope that direct flights from Japanese airlines to Pokhara and Lumbini would increase tourist traffic, in addition to the existing Kathmandu-Japan air service.
Ambassador Toru thanked Chairman Dahal for the courtesy call and pledged to work toward further strengthening the bilateral relationship between Japan and Nepal.
He noted that the two countries will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026, expressing confidence that the relationship will continue to deepen in the years to come.
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