Foreign Minister Deuba Seeks Japan’s Support in Restoring BP Highway

Japan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Miyaji Takuma, today paid a courtesy call on Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, in Muscat, Oman, where both are attending the ‘8th Indian Ocean Conference.’

The two ministers held a bilateral meeting to discuss various aspects of Nepal-Japan relations and areas of mutual interest. Minister Deuba acknowledged Japan’s significant role as a development partner, particularly in Nepal’s socio-economic development.

They also discussed plans to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic ties in 2026 and the potential for high-level exchanges between the two countries.

During the meeting, Minister Deuba called on the Japanese government to support the reconstruction of the BP Highway, which was severely damaged by the September 2023 rains. Additionally, Deuba sought Japan’s cooperation in connecting Japan with Nepal’s Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Airport through direct flights.

Deuba also suggested extending the current Narita-Kathmandu direct flight route to Lumbini, which would provide easier access for Japanese tourists visiting Lumbini, thereby fostering deeper cultural ties between the two nations.

In response, Minister Takuma indicated that Japan would assess the feasibility of these proposals and provide a response accordingly.