Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel held a courtesy meeting with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo on Tuesday.
The meeting took place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo during President Paudel’s four-day official visit to Japan.
President Paudel arrived in Japan on Monday at the invitation of the Japanese government to attend special events marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan.
During the meeting, President Paudel praised Japan’s support and role as an important and reliable development partner in Nepal’s social and economic development. “Japan has been extending assistance to Nepal in areas such as human resource development, health, agriculture, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. Nepal and the Nepali people have greatly benefited from this assistance,” President Paudel said, according to his press advisor Kiran Pokhrel.
President Paudel also said both countries are inspired by the teachings and ideals of Gautam Buddha. “Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, has served as a strong bridge in strengthening the cordial relations between the people of Nepal and Japan,” he added.
Paudel added that the long-standing relationship between the two countries—rooted in history, culture, and cooperation—has further deepened into a close and enduring friendship since the establishment of diplomatic ties. “The 70th anniversary of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations that we are celebrating this year is a milestone in our bilateral relations,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of high-level exchanges, President Paudel recalled Emperor Naruhito’s friendly and memorable visit to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, and Lumbini in 1987 as a Crown Prince.
Emperor Naruhito said the anniversary of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations should be celebrated with joy. Naruhito said he has a vivid memory of his 1986 visit to Nepal, according to Pokhrel.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Nepal and recalled the mutual assistance extended by the two countries during times of natural disasters.
President Paudel is scheduled to hold a courtesy meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister later today. He is set to return home on Wednesday after completing his four-day visit.
