Nepal, Japan exchange notes to mark 70 years of relations

 Kathmandu, Sept. 1

Nepal and Japan have exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, in his message to his Japanese counterpart Motegi Toshimitsu, has extended warm greetings and felicitations to the latter and through him to the Government and friendly people of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement.

FM Khanal appreciated the valuable support received from Japan, which is one of the largest development partners, in Nepal’s development endeavors, and said that substantial engagements at different levels between the two sides in the areas of trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, tourism, education and culture have been growing steadily.

He has also expressed confidence that the enduring multifaceted partnership will be further consolidated and enhanced in the years ahead.

Similarly, Japanese FM Motegi, in his message to FM Khanal, has mentioned that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956, the two countries have deepened cooperation across a wide range of areas, including economy, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges and forged an amicable relationship.

Referring to the opening of the Nagdhunga Tunnel, constructed through Japanese loan assistance, he has said that it would contribute to improving people’s lives and stimulating economic activities in Nepal.

President Ramchandra Paudel had visited Japan in February this year to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Motegi also expressed desire to further promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries across a broad range of fields, informed the MoFA.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 September 2026.