Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. Shinichi Kitaoka is visiting Nepal from December 20-22, 2015. The main objective of his visit is to observe the earthquake affected areas of Nepal, reconstruction progress and discuss on the overall cooperation strategies in Nepal.

During his visit, a courtesy call to dignitaries of Government of Nepal has been planned that includes meeting with Prime Minister KP Oli and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Poudel, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Bijay Kumar Gachhedar and National Planning Commission Vice Chairman Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada. Similarly, he will also observe the earthquake affected area at Chautara, Sindhupalchowk and Kathmandu Bhaktapur road constructed in assistance of JICA.

Shinichi Kitaoka became JICA's new president on October 1 2015, succeeding Akihiko Tanaka. Before assuming the present post, he was President of the International University of Japan. Mr. Kitaoka's specialty is modern Japanese politics and diplomacy. He obtained his B.A. (1971) and his Ph.D. (1976) both from the University of Tokyo in 1976. He is a retired Professor of the University of Tokyo.

According to a press release issued by Japanese Embassy, Nepal and Japan share a long history of friendship. After these two countries established diplomatic relations in 1956, the Government of Japan extended various assistance to Nepal in which JICA has been acting as an implementing agency of Official Development Assistance (ODA) of Japan and contributed towards Nepal's development in different areas.

In order to realize JICA' vision "Inclusive and Dynamic Development" in Nepal, JICA Nepal will continue to provide maximum support to the Nepali people and the government for peace and prosperity. JICA is confident that, the friendly and cooperative relation between these two countries will be further strengthened through such visits and exchange of information.