New York [US], Sept 22 – Japan has pledged continued support to Nepal from immediate emergency response to long-term recovery following the devastating Bhotekoshi floods, during a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in New York.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu held talks on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.
According to Minister Khanal’s Secretariat, Motegi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the recent floods and extended condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies to those affected.
The Japanese foreign minister appreciated the Nepal government’s continued disaster response and assistance to affected communities, and assured Khanal that Japan stands with Nepal during the difficult period.
Motegi also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Nepal from immediate emergency response through long-term recovery.
Khanal thanked the Japanese government and people for their condolences and solidarity following the disaster. He told his Japanese counterpart that the Nepal government was making every possible effort to search for and rescue missing foreign nationals, including Japanese citizens.
The two ministers also discussed broader bilateral ties. Motegi said Japan had consistently supported Nepal in strengthening democracy and advancing its development efforts.
He expressed confidence that the Nepal-Japan Festival scheduled to be held in Nepal in November, would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Motegi also pledged continued Japanese support for Nepal’s development efforts in cooperation with the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, according to Khanal’s Secretariat.
Khanal said Nepal was ready to further deepen bilateral relations as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
