August 31, 2006
 Press Conference on the Occasion of the Celebration of
the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Nepal
|
The Embassy of Japan organized a press conference at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza today on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Nepal on September 1, 2006. Speaking at the program, His Excellency Mr. Tsutomu Hiraoka, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal highlighted the significance of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries. His Excellency recalled the fact that even before diplomatic links were established there were strong connections between the two nations. The history of cordial and friendly relationship at the people's level between the two countries stretches back over a century to the first Japanese monk, Rev. Ekai Kawaguchi who visited Nepal and to the enrolment of eight Nepali students in Japanese universities. The relationship was consolidated further by ensuring visits among people, which lead to the establishment of friendly diplomatic relations on September 1, 1956.
His Excellency Mr. Hiraoka mentioned the program being organized to mark the auspicious day of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Japan-Nepal Diplomatic Relations, on September 1, 2006. On the occasion, a Commemorative Postal Stamp will be issued and made public by the Government of Nepal in recognition of five decades of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal. This is indeed a symbolic way to commemorate the friendly and cordial relationship. A special musical team will embellish the event with a performance of traditional Japanese music. Nepali musicians will also play on the occasion.
Speaking at the program, Mr. Hiraoka informed of the visit of Mr. Tadahiko Ito and Mr. Takashi Yano, Members of the House of Representatives and Mr. Toshiki Nikai, Personal Secretary and son of Mr. Toshihiro Nikai, Chairman of the Japan-Nepal Parliamentarians Friendship League as well as Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, to Kathmandu to join this special occasion of celebration. Beside their participation in the Golden Jubilee Celebration Ceremony, they will also pay courtesy calls on the Right Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala and the Right Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Subash Nemwang. During their three day stay in Kathmandu they will also have a luncheon meeting with Members of the Nepal-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association headed by Mr. Ram Chandra Poudel, Convenor of the Association and will attend the cancellation of the above mentioned Commemorative Postal Stamp.
Various programs are being organized throughout 2006 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary with the theme of "Celebrating 50 Year of Friendship and Building 50 Years of Future". His Excellency expressed his belief that the Golden Jubilee Celebration will be a springboard to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries in the years to come.
|
|
