KATHMANDU, Jan 14: Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Yutaka Kikuta said there has been special relations between Nepal and Japan, laying emphasis on the crucial role of JICA Alumni Association of Nepal (JAAN) in consolidating the persisting ties. Ambassador Kikuta said this at a Sakura (Japanese Cherry) plantation programme hosted by JAAN in Lele, Godabari on the occasion of its golden jubilee.
Chief Representative of JICA Nepal, Akimitsu Okubo shared that the Association has been extending support to the community development of Nepal by providing Japanese volunteers. He claimed that the Association has also played a crucial role in importing Japanese technology.
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Godabari Municipality Mayor Gajendra Maharjan extended thanks for the assistance being provided to the municipality and urged the Japanese Embassy, JICA Nepal and JAAN to continue such cooperation in coming days as well. JAAN Chair, Dr Ram Chandra Bhusal informed that the Association has been working to enhance income generation and capacity building of community people in Lele area of Godavari so as to improve their livelihood.
Owing gratefulness to the ward no. 5 of the municipality for providing land and also supporting in the development of Sakura garden, he expressed his confidence that the garden will further consolidate the Nepal-Japan relations. JAAN developed a Sakura garden by planting 40 Japanese cherry saplings while organizing several programmes to celebrate the golden jubilee.
It may be noted that Japan had also offered Foreign Minister's Commendation to JAAN in recognition of its remarkable contributions to strengthen Nepal-Japan relations. JAAN is a social organization of the Nepali students who returned to Nepal after studying in Japan. The Association has been active since 1973.
