Kathmandu, Jan 25: Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Maeda Toru has reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to extending continued support to Nepal’s development endeavours.
Speaking at a programme marking the 70th anniversary of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations and the 52nd anniversary of the JICA Alumni Association Nepal (JAAN) on Friday, Ambassador Maeda pledged Japan’s support in Nepal’s technical and human resource development, as well as in the education, communication, road and agriculture sectors, in line with the aspirations of the Nepali people.
On the occasion, Ambassador Maeda stressed the need to further strengthen mutual traditions and cultural exchanges between the two countries in the days ahead.
Likewise, Chief Representative of the JICA Nepal Office, Matsuzaki Mizuki, said JICA has been supporting Nepal in 21 sectors, including health, education, energy, good governance and agriculture, for the past four decades, contributing to Nepal’s economic development, peace, prosperity and sustainable growth.
JAAN President Dr. Ram Chandra Bhusal said Japan has remained a good friend of Nepal, providing selfless, reliable and long-term support. He added that JAAN’s programmes reflect the intention to further strengthen Nepal–Japan relations. Bhusal also expressed gratitude to Japan for its assistance in community development, support during natural disasters such as earthquakes, and contributions to Nepal’s economic, social and cultural development.
JAAN Vice President Kiran Rupakheti said the association has been working for more than five decades as a strong network of trained experts, drawing on Japan’s knowledge, discipline, work culture and development philosophy.
At the programme, JICA Nepal Chief Matsuzaki and JAAN President Bhusal delivered separate presentations on what Nepal can learn from Japan in the context of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations.
JAAN lifelong member and border expert Buddhi Narayan Shrestha was honoured on the occasion. General Secretary of JAAN, Shanti Laxmi Shakya, presented an overview of the association’s activities over the past year.
On the occasion, Ambassador Maeda unveiled the souvenir publication Milan published by JAAN. Contributors whose articles were featured in the commemorative publication were awarded certificates of appreciation. JAAN was established five decades ago with the objective of promoting friendship and mutual understanding between Nepal and Japan. #nepal #japan #JAAN
