Japan has extended an invitation to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Tokyo, as both nations agreed to enhance their strategic partnership with increased cooperation in trade, investment, energy, security, and skilled manpower. Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Namazu Hiroyuki conveyed Prime Minister Takaichi's invitation during the 7th Bangladesh-Japan Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka. Bangladesh reciprocated by inviting Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi for an official visit to Dhaka. The consultations, led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Hiroyuki, reaffirmed both sides' commitment to consolidating the Bangladesh-Japan Strategic Partnership and advancing cooperation across various sectors.
Economic and Energy Cooperation
The Foreign Secretary expressed hope that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would boost Japanese investment in Bangladesh. He sought Tokyo's continued cooperation in expanding bilateral trade and investment, promoting renewable energy, and sustainable development. Japan acknowledged its contributions to Bangladesh's development through initiatives like the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), including the Matarbari Deep Sea Port and Power Project, Dhaka Metro Rail, and the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
People-to-People Ties and Regional Issues
Both sides emphasized strengthening people-to-people ties by expanding opportunities for Bangladeshi Specified Skilled Workers in Japan and increasing educational, cultural, and civil society exchanges. On the Rohingya crisis, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the burden on Bangladesh from hosting over 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals and reiterated the need for safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar. Japan was thanked for its continued humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues, reaffirming their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and closer cooperation in multilateral fora.






























