Kathmandu, Jan. 10:

Minister for Foreign Affairs of JapanTaro Kono paid a courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari at the latter’s office, Sheetal Niwas, on Thursday.

During the courtesy call ,matters of Nepal-Japan bilateral relations were discussed, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

Earlier today, Kono paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Various aspects of Nepal-Japan bilateral relations, regional and global issues of common concerns were discussed during the meeting.

While sharing the recent political achievements and priorities of the government, Prime Minister Oli appreciated Japan's continued support and cooperation in socio-economic development of Nepal.

Kono assured that the Government of Japan would continue its assistance to Nepal in realising its development goals.

Foreign Minister Kono left Kathmandu on Thursday upon completion of his 2-day official visit to Nepal.

The two countries signed the exchange of notes for revising the Air Service Agreement between Nepal and Japan signed in 1993 to allow Nepali airlines to operate direct flights to the Japanese airports except for Haneda on Wednesday.

Similarly, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on conducting bilateral consultation was signed between the two countries.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 January 2019.