Japan visit fruitful: FM Rana

Kathmandu, May 25

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba said that her recently concluded five-day visit to Japan was fruitful.

Upon her return to the country last night, she informed that during the visit, she held several important meetings, including with the Foreign Minister of Japan, and discussed Nepal-Japan cooperation and various development projects, noting that these engagements were beneficial for the country, the Minister's Secretariat informed in a statement on Sunday.

She also took part in an international conference on senior citizens held in Tokyo.

FM Dr. Rana said, "During this visit, discussions were held on various aspects of Nepal-Japan relations, including Japanese assistance and projects in Nepal. The conference on senior citizens also provided an opportunity to learn about the policies adopted by other countries regarding senior citizens, as well as their conditions and management systems."

A bilateral meeting between FM Dr. Rana and her Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya took place on May 21 in Tokyo. On that occasion, discussions were held on various matters of mutual interest and concern, including Nepal-Japan bilateral relations.

Likewise, on May 22, she also held talks with Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). During the meeting, Minister Dr. Rana expressed gratitude for the long-standing support extended by the Japanese government through JICA in Nepal’s economic, social, and other sectors, and discussed the projects currently being implemented or completed with JICA's support.

Earlier, Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina had paid a courtesy call on FM Dr. Rana.

Upon her return to Nepal on Saturday night, she was welcomed at the Tribhuvan International Airport by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other officials. She had departed for Japan last Monday.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 May 2025.