Strengthening Ties: Kamikawa Yoko’s Strategic Visit to Nepal

epardafas

01st May 2024

Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko is scheduled to visit Nepal on May 5, marking the first such visit by a Japanese foreign minister since 2019. This visit is part of her broader Asian tour, which includes stops in several countries including Sri Lanka. Kamikawa, hailing from Shizuoka prefecture, known for the iconic Mount Fuji, aims to deepen bilateral ties amidst the ongoing global rivalries, particularly between the US and China.According to the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu, this visit is set against the backdrop of Japan’s efforts to assert its influence as a middle power in Asia, signaling Tokyo’s strategic intentions in a region currently dominated by US-China tensions. “Kamikawa’s visits are a strategic move by Japan to showcase its presence and leverage in Asia, particularly sending a message to Beijing,” stated a joint secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal.

During her brief visit, Kamikawa will engage in discussions that are expected to cover a wide range of topics including Nepal’s support for Japan in international forums such as the United Nations. The foreign ministry spokesperson, Amrit Bahadur Rai, mentioned, “Although no agreements are expected to be signed, the discussions will focus on reviewing and expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors.”

Experts have suggested that Nepal should leverage this opportunity to enhance its economic ties with Japan, focusing on sectors like agriculture, education, health, and disaster management. The visit will also address how Japan can assist Nepal in its ambition to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2026, a transition that will reduce Nepal’s eligibility for certain types of international aid.

Both nations are also gearing up to celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026, which promises to elevate their long-standing partnership through high-level exchanges and commemorative events. This anniversary is seen as a pivotal moment to redefine and strengthen the cooperation between Nepal and Japan.

Former Nepali Ambassador to Japan, Madan Kumar Bhattarai, emphasized the importance of reorienting Nepal’s strategy towards Japan. “It is crucial for Nepal to seek specific Japanese aid that can help reduce our import dependency and boost our export capabilities, particularly in agriculture products that are in high demand in Japan,” he said.

Nepal and Japan have enjoyed a robust partnership, with Japan playing a significant role in Nepal’s development sectors including agriculture, education, and infrastructure. The visit by Minister Kamikawa is expected to further cement this relationship, with planned discussions on enhancing bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.