Minister Rana holds talks with Japanese counterpart

Kathmandu, May 22

Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, and her Japanese counterpart, Iwaya Takeshi, held a bilateral meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Japan in Tokyo on Thursday.

FM Dr. Rana is on an official visit of Japan for five days.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed various matters of mutual interest and shared concern, as well as the broader scope of Nepal-Japan bilateral relations, the MoFA of Nepal said in a statement.

The ministers also exchanged views on various aspects of the 70-year history of Nepal-Japan relations. Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan were established in 1956, and both countries will be celebrating the 70^th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year.

Likewise, FM Dr. Rana extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Iwaya to visit Nepal in connection with the celebrations of the 70^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

She also requested Japan’s continued support for Nepal as it is set to graduate from the status of a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a Developing Country in 2026 and beyond.

FM Dr. Rana urged Minister Iwaya to encourage Japanese investors and entrepreneurs to invest in Nepal, stating that there are numerous investment opportunities in the country and that the country is committed to ensuring the security and protection of foreign investments.

Highlighting that Nepal and Japan share not only formal diplomatic ties but also a long-standing historical and cultural bond, FM Dr. Rana said, “The two countries have ancient socio-cultural relations inspired by the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, serves as a cultural bridge between Nepal and the people of Japan.”

She further noted that thousands of Japanese tourists visit Nepal every year to study and observe the spiritual and cultural uniqueness of places like Lumbini. The ministers also discussed potential areas of cooperation in the tourism sector in the future.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 May 2025.