Embassy of Japan in Nepal

November 27, 2013

Message from H.E. Mr. Masashi Ogawa, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal

Dear friends,�@

Thank you very much for visiting the home-page of the Embassy of Japan in Nepal.

It�fs my pleasure to have become Japan�fs Ambassador to this country, which is one with such a bounty of natural beauty and such rich traditions and culture. I arrived here recently, on 4th November, and I am very happy to see the good and cordial relations that exist between our two countries, particularly as much of the cultural heritage of Nepal is closely linked to Japanese traditional culture. I am looking forward, throughout my tenure here, to working with all well wishers and friends of Japan in Nepal to further enhance the cordial relations already existing between our two countries.

Although Nepal has gone through political instability in the past few years, and has not been able to draft the new constitution within the revised time-frame, this year, under the leadership of Right Honorable Mr. Khil Raj Regmi, Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers, Nepal succeeded in implementing a second Constituent Assembly Election on 19th November. Japan welcomes this election, which was held in a free and fair manner. And, we sincerely hope Nepal will make steady progress toward establishing a new constitution.

As you might know, the Government of Japan provided election related materials such as ballot boxes, security seals, ballot box stickers, etc worth one hundred and fifty million Japanese yen. Further, in response to the request of the Government of Nepal, the Government of Japan dispatched a five member election observation mission led by myself, and we observed a number of polling stations and vote-counting stations.�@

In the areas where we carried out our observation, we found that the preparation of the polling was conducted, by and large, in a peaceful, free and fair manner. We understand that despite the challenges, many Nepalese people showed their enthusiasm to take part in the politics of the country through the election. At the moment, the vote-counting operation is going on. We hope all political parties will accept the result of the election and will come together to focus on smoothly formulating a new constitution.

In this home-page we would like to constantly update what�fs currently going on in Nepal, as well as, side by side, providing information about the cordial and friendly relations between our two counties based on the present situation of Nepal. It would be my great pleasure if this homepage helps you deepen your understanding of the wonderful relationship between Japan and Nepal, and promotes knowledge of the latest developments in Japan as well as her diverse culture.

Masashi OGAWA
Ambassador of Japan to Nepal