President Ramchandra Paudel met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Tuesday, reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation with Japan.

During the courtesy call, Paudel thanked Japan for its continued support, goodwill and understanding, and said Nepal was keen to deepen friendship and collaboration with Japanese leadership, according to his press adviser Kiran Pokharel.

Marking the 70th anniversary of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations, Paudel said the milestone reflected the strength of bilateral ties and that high-level exchanges would further reinforce them.

He described Japan as one of Nepal’s key development partners, noting opportunities to expand trade and attract Japanese investment in Nepal’s priority development sectors. Paudel said Nepal had introduced legal, procedural and institutional reforms to improve the business climate, attract foreign investment and promote innovation.

Paudel also acknowledged Japan’s contributions through grants, loans, multilateral assistance and technical support, particularly in human resource development, health, agriculture, infrastructure, environmental protection and cultural preservation.

Expressing confidence as Nepal prepares to graduate from the least developed country category, Paudel said he hoped Japan would continue its support. He also highlighted Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, as a strong cultural bridge between the two countries, both committed to peace and stability.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi said Nepal’s stability was important for Japan and the wider region, and expressed hope for the success of Nepal’s upcoming House of Representatives elections. She said Japan would send election observers, Pokharel said.

Takaichi described Nepal and Japan as long-standing close friends, citing people-to-people ties, Nepali students in Japan and Japanese climbers visiting Nepal as factors strengthening relations. She also said Japan would continue supporting Nepal in information technology and democratic development.

President Paudel was in Japan at the invitation of the Japanese government, leading a delegation, to attend events marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. During the visit, he also met Emperor Naruhito, addressed Japanese business leaders, and visited Nepal’s embassy in Tokyo.

Nepal and Japan established diplomatic relations on September 1, 1956. Nepal opened its embassy in Tokyo in 1965, while Japan opened its embassy in Kathmandu in 1967.

Paudel departed from Japan for Nepal on Wednesday after completing his four-day official visit.