Kathmandu, September 1
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation on Tuesday over the devastating floods and landslides in Nepal’s border region with China.
The conversation lasted around 10 minutes, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the beginning of the call, Takaichi expressed deep condolences for those who lost their lives in the floods and landslides on August 26, and extended her sympathies to bereaved families and those affected.
Recalling that both Japan and Nepal face high risks from natural disasters, Takaichi said Japan would stand firmly with its long-standing friend Nepal during the crisis.
She also urged Prime Minister Shah to provide maximum assistance in the immediate search and rescue of five Japanese nationals who remain missing.
Japan to send relief supplies and emergency team
Takaichi said emergency relief supplies, including tents and blankets that Japan has pledged to Nepal, would arrive soon.
She also said Japan was preparing to provide additional assistance through international organisations and send an international emergency relief team to Nepal, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
In response, Prime Minister Shah briefed his Japanese counterpart on the extent of the disaster and the government’s ongoing search, rescue and relief efforts.
Shah expressed his deep gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their sympathy, assistance and solidarity, according to a statement issued by Japan’s Foreign Ministry.
