Paudel Highlights 70 Years of Nepal–Japan Ties, Japan Reaffirms Support

President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan is an important moment in the long friendship between the two countries.

While meeting Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii on Monday, President Paudel said that Japan has been a trusted and important partner in Nepal’s social and economic development, according to the Office of the President.

He said Japan has supported Nepal for many years through grants, loans, technical assistance and multilateral cooperation. This support has helped Nepal in areas such as education and skill development, health, agriculture, infrastructure, environmental protection and cultural heritage. President Paudel said Nepal wants to learn more from Japan’s experience, technology and skills in these sectors.

President Paudel also said Nepal is preparing to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026. He expressed confidence that Japan would continue to support Nepal even after this transition. He added that there is good potential for Japanese investment in Nepal’s priority development sectors, noting that Nepal has made legal and institutional reforms to improve the business environment and encourage foreign investment and innovation.

Referring to shared cultural values based on the teachings of Gautam Buddha, President Paudel said Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is a strong link between the people of Nepal and Japan. He thanked Japan for its support in developing Lumbini and acknowledged the role of Nepali migrant workers in strengthening ties between the two countries.

On the occasion, Japanese State Minister Iwao Horii praised President Paudel for his role in protecting the Constitution and democracy during the events of September 8–9. He said President Paudel’s leadership was appreciated both in Nepal and internationally.

The Japanese minister also said Japan hopes Nepal’s House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 will be held successfully. He stressed that peace and stability in Nepal are important for regional prosperity. He assured continued Japanese support for Nepal’s development, informing that Japan has decided to rebuild the flood-damaged Kathmandu–Sindhuli road and construct an underpass at Koteshwor to help manage traffic.

President Paudel is currently on a four-day official visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese government. He is accompanied by First Lady Sabita Paudel and a Nepali delegation to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations.