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Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has begun bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to discuss key strategic issues aimed at strengthening bilateral relations on all fronts.
The meeting began around 11:35am on Friday at the office of the Japanese Prime Minister, said his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
Prior to the talks, the Chief Adviser was accorded a red-carpet reception and a guard of honour, reports UNB.
"The meeting will discuss various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and Japan – trade and investment, cooperation in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, and human resource development," according to acting Foreign Secretary Md Ruhul Alam Siddique.
He said the Rohingya issue will also be discussed during the meeting.
Bangladesh has sought $1 billion from Japan in the form of ‘soft loan’ and the announcement will come formally after the bilateral talks between the two leaders and an exchange of notes will be signed.
"This is a very important visit," said the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
He said Bangladesh is expecting USD 500 million in budgetary support from Japan, in addition to USD 250 million earmarked for the country's railway sector.
Additional assistance in other sectors is also anticipated, as both countries look to deepen bilateral relations.
Prof Yunus arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
In February this year, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ikuina Akiko invited Chief Adviser Prof Yunus to visit Japan for the Nikkei 30th Future of Asia event to be held on May 29-30 in Tokyo. Prof Yunus is also a recipient of the Nikkei Asia Prize in 2004.