Takaichi Briefs on Call with Nepal’s Prime Minister Shah
Overview
Prime Minister Takaichi said that in a phone call with Nepalese Prime Minister Shah, she expressed condolences and sympathy over the flood damage and requested cooperation in rescuing five Japanese nationals who remain out of contact. The Japanese government is checking their safety, providing emergency relief supplies, arranging assistance through international organizations, and preparing to dispatch the Japan Disaster Relief Team. On long-term interest rates, she refrained from specific comment and said the government would assess and analyze economic conditions before deciding on economic and fiscal management. She said budget reforms would provide for ongoing measures in the initial budget, aiming to meet necessary fiscal needs while maintaining fiscal sustainability.
Key points
- Prime Minister Takaichi held a phone call with Nepalese Prime Minister Shah.
- She requested the Nepalese government’s cooperation in rescuing five Japanese nationals who remain out of contact.
- Japan will provide emergency relief supplies, including tents and blankets, and prepare additional assistance.
- The government will assess and analyze economic conditions, including interest rate trends, to guide its management decisions, while advancing reforms to provide for ongoing measures in the initial budget.
Overview
During the call, condolences were conveyed for those who died in Nepal’s floods, along with sympathy for their families and those affected. Prime Minister Takaichi said that both Japan and Nepal are prone to disasters and that she was deeply concerned by Nepal’s difficult situation.
The day of the call marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal. The two countries intend to work to strengthen their relationship after the situation subsides.
Impact
The Japanese government will use emergency supplies stockpiled overseas for external assistance to support those affected, and prepare assistance through international organizations and the dispatch of the Japan Disaster Relief Team. In fiscal management, it aims to meet necessary fiscal needs while maintaining fiscal sustainability.
Details
A large debris flow occurred on the 26th of last month near the Nepal-China border, and five Japanese nationals remain missing. Prime Minister Shah said Nepal was making every effort to carry out rescue operations, and the Japanese government is also making every effort to confirm their safety.
The supplies to be provided are emergency goods for external assistance that the government stockpiles overseas separately from supplies for domestic disaster response, including tents and blankets.
Long-term interest rates are determined by the market against the backdrop of policy conditions in other countries and other factors. Citing the risk of unintended effects on the market, the prime minister refrained from commenting on specific trends. In budget formulation, reforms will proceed in line with the Cabinet-approved Basic Policy, providing for ongoing measures in the initial budget without relying on large supplementary budgets.