Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and Japanese Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi held a bilateral meeting in Tokyo on Thursday.
Various issues related to bilateral relations, mutual interest and shared concerns between Nepal and Japan were discussed in the meeting that took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, as informed by Foreign Minister Rana's secretariat.
During the meeting, Minister Dr. Rana expressed gratitude on behalf of Nepal to the Japanese government and its citizens for their long-standing support in Nepal's economic, social, and other sectors.
Similarly, they also discussed various aspects of the 70-year history of Nepal-Japan relations. Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan were established in 1956. Both countries are set to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
According to the Foreign Secretary, Minister Dr. Rana invited Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa to visit Nepal during the 70th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations next year. Minister Dr. Rana also mentioned that Nepal is set to graduate from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a Developing Country after 2026 and requested Japan's continued support in the post-graduation phase.
Similarly, Minister Dr. Rana urged the Foreign Minister to encourage Japanese industrialists and businesspeople to invest in Nepal, highlighting the vast investment opportunities in the country. She also assured that the Nepal government provides security and certainty for foreign investments.
Foreign Minister Dr. Rana emphasized that Nepal and Japan share a relationship that goes beyond formal diplomatic ties, stating, "The two countries have ancient socio-cultural ties inspired by the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, serves as a cultural bridge between Nepal and the Japanese people."
She mentioned that thousands of Japanese tourists visit Nepal every year to study and observe the natural, cultural, and spiritual wonders of Nepal, including Lumbini. Discussions were also held on potential collaboration between the two countries in the tourism sector in the coming days.
Additionally, Minister Dr. Rana extended special thanks to the Japanese government for its active and constructive participation in the Sagarmatha Dialogue, held this week, led by the Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs.
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