Kathmandu. President Ram Chandra Poudel has said that the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan was a milestone in the bilateral relations.

He said Japan was an important and reliable development partner in the social and economic development of Nepal and played an important role in Nepal’s development process, according to the President’s Secretariat. President Poudel said so during a meeting with Japanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hori Ibao, today.

“Japan has been extending bilateral grants and loans, multilateral assistance and technical assistance to Nepal, which has played a significant role in human resource development, health, agriculture and infrastructure development, environment protection and preservation of culture,” he said, adding that Japan would like to be further benefited from Japan’s experience, knowledge, skills and technology in these areas.

Nepal was in the process of being graduated from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) status by 2026 and as always, Nepal would receive Japan’s goodwill and cooperation in this regard.

Stating that there was huge potential to attract Japanese investment in Nepal’s development priorities, the President said in a statement that the government had made legal, procedural and institutional reforms to ease trade with Nepal, attract foreign investment and promote new innovations.

Referring that Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, has served as a strong bridge between the people of Nepal and Japan, he expressed gratitude for Japan’s support for the development of Lumbini. According to him, contributions of Nepali migrant community to the socio-economic sector of Japan have helped strengthen the bilateral relations in one way or the other.

On the occasion, Japanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ibao said the role played by President Poudel for safeguarding the constitution and democracy after the demonstration held in Nepal on September 9 and 24 was highly appreciated and expressed Japan’s support for consolidation of peace, stability and democracy.

The Japanese Minister of State said that peace and prosperity in Nepal means peace and development in the region, adding that Japan looks forward to the successful completion of the election to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 4 for lasting peace and stability.

Similarly, he assured of continued support from Japan in Nepal’s development, and also decided to construct an underpass for the reconstruction of flood-ravaged Kathmandu-Sindhuli road and for managing vehicles on Kathmandu-Koteshwor.