Exemplary Ties
NEPAL-Japan relations are over a century old and during the period the ties have been
enhanced all the time. It was after Ekai Kawaguchi, the first recorded Japanese visitor to
Nepal, that the friendship between the two countries started taking firm footing. Today
the mutual understanding and socio-economic cooperation between the two countries are
exemplary. In fact, Japan is the biggest partner assisting the development of Nepal since
diplomatic ties were established in 1956. Though separated by distance, both the countries
are linked by similar views and opinion. The ties have further grown not only at the
peoples' but also at the government level. The exchange of visits at various levels have
led to sharing of ideas and enhancing the mutual cooperation between Nepal and Japan. An
ability to understand each other's aspirations and development needs is another hallmark
of the friendly relations between the two nations. Japan has contributed to almost every
sector in the country including health, education, water supply, telecommunications, river
training, debt relief measure and so on. The areas where Japan's friendly hand is present
are numerous. Japan's assistance in Nepal's efforts towards poverty alleviation and
achievement for sustainable economic development also needs to be mentioned.
Coinciding with the 69th birthday of His Imperial Majesty
Emperor Akihito of Japan, in an interview to Rastriya Samachar Samiti, the other day,
Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Zenji Kaminaga reiterated that Japan's support in the
development efforts of Nepal would continue unhindered in the years to come. The Japanese
envoy further laid emphasis on the effectiveness and efficiency of the assistance. This
comes as an encouraging assurance as Nepal in the present times is facing many
difficulties especially with the economy suffering due to insurgency in many parts of the
country. Nepal now needs more support than ever before to bring back its economy on the
right track. The damaged development infrastructures too need to put back into place. It
is the economic and technical assistance of friendly countries like Japan that Nepal's
development efforts have borne fruit. Japan is an advanced country and so Nepal must learn
lessons from it as to how it emerged from shambles to one of the economic powers of the
world today. That example can hold the key for Nepal to emerge from its backward state to
that of a developed nation.
Other Story
|
