Kathmandu:Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal has emphasized that education, technology, innovation, and people-to-people relations have significantly strengthened the friendship between Nepal and Japan. Addressing the inaugural session of the ‘South Asian Federation of Japanese Universities Alumni Associations (SAFJUAA) Symposium 2026,’ organized by SAFJUAA, Minister Khanal highlighted the potential of educational exchanges to forge strong and enduring ties between nations.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Khanal noted the historical context of the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations. He recalled that the friendship between the two countries predates their formal diplomatic ties, citing the visit of Japanese Buddhist monk Ekai Kawaguchi to Nepal in 1899 and the subsequent education of eight Nepali students in Japan in the early 1900s as foundational events. These interactions laid the groundwork for formal diplomatic relations established in 1956.
Minister Khanal commended Japan’s economic transformation and technological advancements, which have served as an inspiration for Nepal’s development journey. He recognized Japan as a trusted development partner over the last seven decades, contributing to infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, disaster resilience, and human resource development in Nepal.
He further mentioned that the presence of over 300,000 Nepalis in Japan, with Nepalis being the second-largest group of international students in Japan last year, has enriched educational, cultural, economic, and people-to-people relations between the two countries. Minister Khanal also acknowledged Japan’s support during disasters, cooperation in forensic expertise, and DNA identification as reflections of the deep friendship and solidarity shared by the two nations.
Minister Khanal highlighted the recent visit of President Ramchandra Paudel to Japan, where meetings with the Emperor and Prime Minister of Japan have elevated bilateral relations. He also expressed gratitude for the Japanese government honoring former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador Madan Kumar Bhattarai with the ‘Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.’
Additionally, Minister Khanal underscored the importance of the Project for Human Resources Development Scholarship Programme offered by the Japanese government, which has enabled Nepali government officers to pursue higher education, thereby enhancing Nepal’s institutional capacity in public policy, good governance, and development administration. He also pointed out the potential for cooperation with Japan in addressing climate change, natural disasters, and rapid urbanization, challenges faced by South Asian countries.