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Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina said the solid foundation of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan is poised to be raised from 'comprehensive partnership' to 'strategic partnership' in the near future.
She said this in a video message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations with Japan on Tuesday. Japan officially recognised Bangladesh as an independent state on 10 February 1972.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also issued separate goodwill video message.
Both the prime ministers committed to strengthening bonds of amity and cooperation. They congratulated the people of the two friendly countries on this momentous occasion.
Sheikh Hasina, in her message, acknowledged sustained economic cooperation and support of Japan.
She hoped that last fifty years' enviable cooperation would remain an inspiration for the coming fifty years for mutually beneficial gains.
She expressed gratitude of the people of Bangladesh for the precious support and contributions of Japan and its people during the War of Liberation in 1971.
She highlighted the historic visit of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in October 1973, which laid the foundation of a steadfast and lasting friendship between the two countries.
Fumio Kishida, in his message, reiterated Japan's commitment to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh.
He also referred to the visit of Bangabandhu to Japan in October 1973 as the solid base in the history of bilateral relations between the countries.
He reaffirmed Japan's commitment to stand beside Bangladesh for mutual benefits of the people of two countries, and also assured of Japan's continued support to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Ito Naoki took part at a ceremony, jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka to celebrate the event.
As the chief guest of the ceremony, the foreign minister said since the independence, Japan has committed to provide more than US$ 24 billion support as project aid, food aid and commodity aid to Bangladesh in the forms of grant, loan and technical assistance.
"Until fiscal year 2020, Bangladesh received a total of $14.25 billion worth of assistance from Japan."
"Since the government - led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina - came to power in 2009, the two countries have consolidated close cooperation to a new height through trade, investment, development cooperation, education and cultural exchange, and a broad spectrum of people-to-people contacts."
The minister said now both the countries are working to elevate the current 'comprehensive partnership' to a 'strategic partnership' on the basis of shared interests, targets and priorities.
The foreign secretary highlighted the historical kinship between the two countries.
He stressed on the instrumental role of Japan as a key development partner.
The ambassador of Japan highlighted the robust multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, trade, investment, and people-to-people contacts.
He assured Japan's continued cooperation for socio-economic development of Bangladesh as well as repatriation of Rohingya people.
Colorful dance performances at the courtesy of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy were also presented on the occasion.
Chairmen of BIDA, BEPZA and BEZA as well as representatives from Japanese business community in Bangladesh, among others, attended the event.