TOKYO, Feb 3: President Ramchandra Paudel held a courtesy meeting with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito on Tuesday at the Imperial Palace, as part of his four-day state visit to Japan.
Invited by the Japanese government, President Paudel arrived in Japan on Monday with First Lady Sabita Paudel to participate in a special ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. The meeting with Emperor Naruhito took place during this visit.
During the meeting, President Paudel praised Japan as a significant and trusted development partner in Nepal’s social and economic progress.
“Japan has supported Nepal in areas such as human resource development, health, agriculture, infrastructure, environmental protection and cultural preservation, and Nepal has greatly benefited from this cooperation,” President Paudel said, according to his press advisor, Kiran Pokharel, quoting the conversation with Emperor Naruhito.
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President Paudel also highlighted that both countries are inspired by the teachings and ideals of Gautama Buddha. “Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, has served as a strong bridge that has strengthened the bond between the people of Nepal and Japan,” he said.
He noted that the relationship between Nepal and Japan has deepened into a close friendship since the establishment of diplomatic ties, rooted in shared history, culture and mutual cooperation. “The 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations that we are celebrating this year is a milestone in our bilateral relationship,” he said.
Reflecting on the long-standing friendship, President Paudel recalled Emperor Naruhito’s friendly and distinguished visit to Nepal in 1987 as Crown Prince, during which he visited Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Pokhara and Lumbini. He also expressed gratitude to the Emperor and the Japanese government for awarding him the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 2020.
On behalf of the Government and people of Nepal, President Paudel thanked Japan for its goodwill and support, and extended an invitation to the Emperor and Empress to visit Nepal at a convenient time.
Emperor Naruhito, in response, said the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan should be celebrated with joy. He also recalled Naruhito’s 1986 visit to Nepal as vivid in his memory.
The Emperor shared that during a trek to Sarangkot in Pokhara, he was moved by the sight of women carrying water pots, which inspired him to study water-related issues. He reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Nepal and noted that the two countries have supported each other during natural disasters.
Emperor Naruhito also acknowledged President Paudel’s contributions to strengthening Nepal-Japan relations and said Japan respects and honours his efforts.
