Kathmandu, February 26:

The National Society for Nepal-Japan Friendship and Cooperation today awarded five people for their contribution to Nepal’s development and for strengthening relations between Nepal and Japan.

The five persons were awarded at a function organised to mark the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Japan.

The NASO Golden Award 2006 was awarded to former Japanese PM Ryutaro Hashimoto posthumously for his role in cementing bilateral ties.

Japanese envoy Tsutomu Hiraoka was given the ‘NASO Diplomatic Award 2006’ for providing “economic and social support” to Nepal. Takushi Miyahara received the ‘NASO Award 2005’ for his contribution in the field of tourism. Koichiro Ohmori and Professor Emeritus JIRO Kawakita were given the ‘NASO Award 2006’ and ‘NASO Award 2007’ for their contribution in promoting Nepal in the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli highlighted the need of deeper Nepal-Japan ties. Tourism minister Pradip Gyawali said, “The peace process has opened doors of development for Nepal.”

Son of former Japanese Prime Minister Hashimoto, Ryo Hashimoto, receiving the award on behalf of his father, said, “My father’s love towards Nepal has inspired me to extend help for the development of Nepal.”