?Tokyo — Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako held a courtesy meeting with Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel and his wife on Tuesday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The meeting marks a significant milestone as Japan and Nepal commemorate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
?Welcoming the visiting delegation at their residence, the Imperial couple greeted President Paudel and his wife with warm handshakes and smiles. President Paudel is currently in Japan on an official visit to honor the anniversary.
?During the meeting, Emperor Naruhito recalled his 1987 visit to Nepal as Crown Prince, describing the country as "exceptionally beautiful." He shared photographs he took during that trip, including an image of women collecting water in a mountainous region. The Emperor noted that this experience sparked his lifelong interest in water-related issues and his subsequent academic studies. He then presented the photograph as a gift to President Paudel and his wife.
?The Emperor also expressed his condolences for the victims of the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal and conveyed his gratitude for Nepal’s support following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
?In response, President Paudel thanked the Japanese people for their continued assistance and goodwill. He remarked that Nepalis hold Japan in high regard, noting that approximately 300,000 Nepali nationals currently work or study in Japan and are well-integrated. He concluded the meeting by extending a formal invitation to the Emperor and Empress to visit Nepal.
