Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has requested Japan’s assistance in reconstructing the BP Highway, which was severely damaged by devastating floods in September last year.

During her meeting with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma on Monday in Muscat, Oman, on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, Deuba reiterated the need for support for the key highway connecting Kathmandu with eastern Nepal.

The request was also conveyed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to the Japanese Ambassador in October last year.

According to the foreign minister’s secretariat, the two ministers discussed various aspects of Nepal-Japan relations, including the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026 and the importance of high-level visits between the two countries.

Minister Deuba expressed gratitude for Japan’s long-standing contributions to Nepal’s socio-economic development.

Additionally, Deuba requested Japan’s support for direct flights to the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini and Pokhara International Airport, aiming to enhance cultural tourism between the two countries. Japanese State Minister Miyaji responded positively, noting that further study of the proposal would be undertaken, said Minister Deuba’s secretariat.