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Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has reiterated Japan’s strong support for the interim government of Bangladesh and stated that the upcoming parliamentary vice minister-level visit will officially convey this message of political support.
During a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, the ambassador expressed Japan’s commitment to standing firmly by the interim government to support their reform efforts and to further strengthen bilateral relations in broad areas under the Strategic Partnership, UNB reports.
In this context, both sides cordially exchanged views on various issues, including deepening economic ties, enhancing political and security cooperation, addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, and other bilateral cooperation agendas.
The ambassador emphasised the importance of holding Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) soon and ensuring regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. He also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing negotiations for the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan.
Ambassador Shinichi informed the foreign affairs adviser that the chief of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in March this year.
Additionally, he announced Japan’s decision to provide Bangladesh with five patrol vessels to enhance coastal security and confirmed their readiness to sign an agreement with the government to provide equipment for air pollution monitoring in Bangladesh.
In response, the foreign affairs adviser thanked the Japanese government for their unwavering support for the interim government and acknowledged Japan’s role as Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner. He also recognized Japan’s significant contributions to Bangladesh’s major development initiatives.
The foreign affairs adviser assured that Japanese investments in Bangladesh will always remain secure and highlighted the steady and longstanding relationship between the two countries.
He expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued efforts towards finding a durable solution for the safe, sustainable, and dignified return of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The adviser also appreciated Japan’s humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas, including support for those relocated to Bhashan Char.
Mentioning that recent developments in Rakhine State are increasing pressure on Bangladesh, he sought Japan’s support for the upcoming conference on the Rohingya crisis, to be organized by Bangladesh in collaboration with the United Nations in Doha.
Both sides also discussed bilateral collaboration and mutual support on election-related matters in international forums, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign affairs adviser wished the new Japanese ambassador a successful tenure in Bangladesh and expressed hope that bilateral relations would reach new heights during his tenure.