Feb 17, Kathmandu- Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has paid a courtesy call on Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma. The meeting took place on Monday between Foreign Minister Rana, who is in Muscat, the capital of Oman, to participate in the 8th Indian Ocean Summit.

During the meeting, various aspects of Nepal-Japan relations, as well as mutual relations and common interests between the two countries, were discussed. 

On that occasion, Foreign Minister Rana expressed her gratitude to the Japanese government for the long-standing support that Japan, as a major donor country to Nepal, has been providing to Nepal's economic and social development sector. 

During the meeting, discussions were held on the upcoming 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan in 2026. On that occasion, discussions were also held on the need for high-level visits between Nepal and Japan. 

During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the necessary support from the Japanese government, as Nepal and Japan signed an agreement on skilled manpower for the next five years only last year and the Nepalese government has already passed the relevant procedures.   

Foreign Minister Rana had requested the Japanese government for necessary assistance in the reconstruction of the BP Highway, which was severely damaged due to the severe floods that struck Nepal last September.

Rana also urged the Japanese government to allow direct flights from Japan to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara Airport in Nepal.

She expressed the view that if a direct flight from Kathmandu to Narita is possible, it would help Japanese citizens travelling to Lumbini and help promote cultural tourism between Nepal and Japan. Japanese Minister Miyaji responded that he would study the matter and move forward.