Japan: Japan today extended an invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Tokyo, as both nations expressed a commitment to strengthening their Strategic Partnership with a focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, security, and skilled manpower.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Namazu Hiroyuki delivered the invitation from Prime Minister Takaichi to Prime Minister Rahman during the 7th Bangladesh-Japan Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka. The Japanese government also invited Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman to visit in his role as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In reciprocation, Bangladesh extended an invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi for an official visit to Dhaka. The consultations were led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Hiroyuki, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening the Bangladesh-Japan Strategic Partnership.
The discussions encompassed high-level exchanges, trade and investment, energy security, and the proposed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The Foreign Secretary expressed optimism that the EPA would enhance Japanese investment in Bangladesh and sought continued cooperation from Tokyo in expanding bilateral trade and promoting green energy.
Japan acknowledged its contributions to Bangladesh's development, particularly through projects like the Matarbari Deep Sea Port and Power Project, Dhaka Metro Rail, and the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Hiroyuki reaffirmed Japan's ongoing support under various initiatives and highlighted the donation of five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy.
The consultations also emphasized strengthening people-to-people ties, promoting opportunities for Bangladeshi Specified Skilled Workers in Japan, and enhancing educational and cultural exchanges. On the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh reiterated its stance on repatriation and thanked Japan for its humanitarian assistance.
Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues, reinforcing their commitment to the UN Charter and agreed to maintain close coordination on global matters of mutual interest. The next Bangladesh-Japan Foreign Office Consultations are slated for Tokyo in 2027.