President Paudel meets Japanese Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo

TOKYO: President Ramchandra Paudel met Emperor Naruhito of Japan at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo today.

During the meeting, President Paudel, who is on a four-day visit to Japan, expressed appreciation for the assistance provided and the role played by Japan as an important and reliable development partner in Nepal’s socio-economic development, press adviser Kiran Pokharel said. “Japan is supporting Nepal in areas such as human resources, health, agriculture, infrastructure development, environmental protection and cultural preservation, and Nepal and Nepalis have benefited greatly from it,” he said.

President Paudel said both countries are inspired by the teachings and ideals of Gautam Buddha. “Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, has served as a strong bridge to strengthen the relationship between the people of Nepal and Japan,” he said.

He added that the long-standing relationship between the two countries has progressed with closer and deeper friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations. “The 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations that we are celebrating this year is a milestone in the bilateral relationship established between us,” Paudel said.

Recalling past visits, President Paudel noted that the exchange of high-level visits has further strengthened relations and recalled Emperor Naruhito’s visit to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Pokhara and Lumbini during his friendly visit as Crown Prince in 1987. He also expressed his gratitude to the Emperor and the Government of Japan for conferring the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on him in 2020.

The President expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal for the goodwill and support of the Government of Japan, and extended an invitation to the Emperor and Empress to visit Nepal at a suitable time.

On the occasion, Emperor Naruhito said the anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations should be celebrated with joy, Paudel’s press adviser Kiran Pokharel shared. He said the memory of his visit to Nepal in 1986 remained fresh.

Emperor Naruhito said he was inspired to study water-related issues after seeing women carrying water pots for drinking water during his trek to Sarangkot in Pokhara. He said Japan will provide Nepal with all possible assistance and that Japan honoured President Paudel for his contribution to the development of Nepal-Japan relations.

At the invitation of the Japanese government, President Paudel, along with his spouse Sabita Paudel, arrived in Tokyo on Monday to participate in a special ceremony to be held on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan.

(With input from RSS)