KATHMANDU: Japan's Ambassador to Nepal Masashi Ogawa called on Minister for Forests and Environment Shakti Bahadur Basnet today.

During the meeting that took place at the Minister's office, Minister Basnet praised the Government of Japan for its continued assistance to various sectors in Nepal including forest and environment protection as a good development partner. He hoped for further support from Japan in the days to come. "Nepal and Japan are good friends at people-to-people level."

Nepal has recently come out of the long political instability and the new government would focus on attaining peace, stability and development, Minister Basnet said.

On the occasion, the Japanese Ambassador conveyed felicitations to Minister Basnet for his election to the ministerial post on behalf of the Government of Japan, expressing Japan's readiness to further cooperate with Nepal in the areas of forest and environment protection. He pledged all possible support to the government in its plans for development and prosperity.

According to him, the Japanese Government is ready to work hand-in-hand with Nepal to reduce possible losses of lives and properties by landslides and floods in the Chure and Tarai-Madhes every year.

On the occasion, the Ambassador invited Minister Basnet to visit Japan, as informed by the Ministry.