Japan-Nepal Relations
Japan-Nepal Foreign Minister’s Working Dinner
May 5, 2024
On May 5, following the bilateral meeting held in the afternoon, commencing at 7:10 p.m. (local time; 10:25 p.m. JST) for approximately 80 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Nepal, attended a working dinner hosted by Hon. Mr. Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal. The overview is as follows.
- Minister Shrestha, referring to the longstanding friendship between Japan and Nepal, expressed his desire to develop the bilateral relations toward the year 2026 when the two countries will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Minister Kamikawa expressed her desire to further enhance understanding of Nepal through this visit.
- Minister Shrestha expressed his gratitude to Japan’s assistance over the years, and stated that Nepal would like to further strengthen practical cooperation with Japan. Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan would like to work together for the development of Nepal and for the peace, stability, and prosperity in the region through practical cooperation. Minister Kamikawa also touched upon the wide range of cooperation that Japan has provided to Nepal over the years, including the Nagdhunga tunnel, a yen loan construction project which the breakthrough has been achieved in April, and stated that Japan would continue to cooperate with Nepal for its sustainable development as the country aims for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) in 2026.
- The two Ministers concurred on cooperating to further promote mutual understanding and friendly bilateral relations through the establishment of a preparatory committee in both countries to consider initiatives befitting the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026, as well as the “Human Resources Development Scholarship Program” (JDS), a grant aid program for training young administrative officials. The two Ministers also concurred on promoting people-to-people exchanges through Specified Skilled Workers and tourism.