- Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi expressed solidarity and condolences to PM Shah following Nepal’s devastating floods and landslides.
- Takaichi requested urgent assistance in searching for five Japanese nationals missing near the Nepal-China border after the disaster.
- Japan is delivering emergency supplies and preparing additional assistance, including a potential disaster relief team, for Nepal.
- Prime Minister Shah appreciated Japan’s support and briefed Takaichi on the current search and rescue operations in affected areas.
Kathmandu: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation with Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Tuesday and expressed Japan’s solidarity with Nepal following the devastating flash floods and landslides that struck areas near the Nepal-China border on August 26.
During the approximately 10-minute telephone conversation, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her condolences to the victims of the disaster and conveyed her heartfelt sympathies to their families and all those affected.
Takaichi said Japan stands in solidarity with Nepal, which she described as a long-standing friend. She also expressed deep sorrow over Nepal’s difficult situation, noting that both Japan and Nepal are countries that are vulnerable to natural disasters.
Japan concerned over missing nationals
During the conversation, Takaichi requested Nepal’s fullest cooperation in carrying out the swiftest possible search and rescue operation for five Japanese nationals who remain unaccounted for following the disaster.
The Japanese prime minister also informed Shah that emergency relief supplies, including tents and blankets, which the Government of Japan recently decided to provide to Nepal, would arrive shortly.
Japan is also preparing additional assistance in response to the disaster. According to the Japanese government, such assistance could include contributions through international organisations and the possible deployment of a Japan Disaster Relief Team.
Takaichi assured that Japan would do everything within its capacity to respond to the situation and support Nepal during the difficult period.
Shah expresses appreciation
In response, Prime Minister Shah expressed his deep appreciation for the message of sympathy, assistance and solidarity extended by the Government and people of Japan.
Shah briefed his Japanese counterpart on the situation caused by the flash floods and landslides and explained the efforts being undertaken by the Government of Nepal to respond to the disaster.
The conversation highlighted the close and longstanding friendship between Nepal and Japan, particularly at a time when Nepal is facing a major humanitarian challenge caused by the natural disaster.
Japan’s offer of emergency relief supplies and its readiness to consider further assistance comes as Nepali authorities continue search, rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.
The two leaders also reaffirmed the importance of cooperation and solidarity in responding to the disaster and supporting those affected.
