"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Message from H. E. Mr. Toshihiro Nikai Chairman of Japan-Nepal Parliamentarian Friendship League Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Nepal

[Place]
[Date] September 01, 2006
[Source] Embassy of Japan in Nepal
[Notes]
[Full text]

On behalf of Japan-Nepal Parliamentarian Friendship League, I have a great pleasure in conveying my heartfelt felicitations to the Government and people of Nepal on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal.

Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956, Japan and Nepal have built warm and friendly relations through the people-to-people exchanges in fields such as politics, economy and culture. We share and cherish precious values such as democracy, peace and the spirit of tolerance.

In April 2006, people's movement toward democracy succeeded in Nepal and the House of Representatives was restored. I would like to pay tribute to the people's courage which paved the way for the country's return to democracy. The Government of Nepal initiated peace talks with the Maoists toward a peaceful and fair election for the constitutional assembly. I truly hope that the success of the peace process will bring about the consolidation of democracy and the realization of permanent peace to Nepal.

In July 2006, to my great sorrow, Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto, former Prime Minister of Japan and the former chairman of Japan-Nepal Parliamentarian Friendship League, passed away. He was a true friend of Nepal who played an enormous role in developing our bilateral relations. I would like to take over his spirit of love and friendship, and to work actively in further promoting exchanges between the Parliamentarian Friendship Leagues of our two nations.

I sincerely hope that broad exchanges between the two countries and the ties of friendship and mutual trust will be further strengthened on the occasion of the auspicious year of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal.