Japan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Miyaji Takuma, on Monday paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba.

The Foreign Minister and Japan's Minister of State who are presently in Muscat, the capital of Oman, to attend the '8th Indian Ocean Conference' held the bilateral meeting today.

During the meeting, the two exchanged views on various dimensions of Nepal-Japan relations and mutual interests. On the occasion, the Minister recognized Japan as one of the major development partners, contributing to Nepal's development in the socio-economic sectors.

The two also discussed the upcoming celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Nepal-Japan diplomatic ties in 2026. Matters relating to the likely exchange of high-level visits between the two countries were discussed during the meeting.

On the occasion, the Minister expected the necessary support from the Government of Japan in the aftermath of the endorsement of the working procedure regarding Nepal-Japan last year's agreement to hire a skilled workforce from Nepal for the upcoming five years.

The Minister also utilised the opportunity to call on the Government of Japan to assist Nepal in the reconstruction of the BP Highway that was significantly damaged by the September (2023) rains.

Foreign Minister Deuba urged Japan for its cooperation to connect Japan with the Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Airport with direct flights.

The extension of the direct flight between Nepal and Japan (Narita-Kathmandu) to Lumbini will be beneficial for Japanese citizens aspiring to visit Lumbini, enhancing cultural ties between Nepal and Japan. In response, the Japanese Minister said he would respond to the call after a feasibility evaluation.