Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has praised Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareque Rahman’s leadership. She also assured Japan’s strong support for Bangladesh’s development and nation-building efforts. The Japanese Prime Minister further pledged to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries based on democracy, the rule of law, and shared values.
On Tuesday (October 27), a bilateral summit meeting was held between Tareque Rahman and Sanae Takaichi at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo. This meeting took place on the second day of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s four-day visit to Japan. After the meeting, the two leaders issued a joint statement and exchanged several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on cooperation in various important fields. These details were released in a statement by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Following the meeting, in a post on her social media platform ‘X’, Takaichi stated that she was pleased to personally congratulate Tareque Rahman on assuming responsibility as the leader of a friendly nation that believes in common values like democracy. She also mentioned that Japan would strongly support the nation-building and national development initiatives of the Bangladeshi government, which was formed through democratic elections.
Takaichi said that Bangladesh is an important partner for Japan in establishing a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ region. She also noted that Bangladesh’s strategic geographical location, connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, has created new possibilities for cooperation between the two countries.
In the meeting, enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries received special emphasis. Both leaders agreed to advance the ‘Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt’ (BIG-B) initiative within a new strategic framework. This initiative, named ‘Sharing Prosperity BIG-B,’ will focus on improving connectivity, creating opportunities for economic growth, addressing disaster and geopolitical risks, and strengthening regional peace and stability.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, new Japanese investments in Bangladesh could reach one trillion yen over the next five years. Takaichi also mentioned the potential creation of approximately two hundred thousand jobs through this. She expressed interest in sending an economic delegation to Bangladesh soon to increase Japanese investment.
Besides trade and investment expansion, the two leaders agreed to expedite the implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and enhance cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, environment, climate change, and aviation sectors. Takaichi also expressed expectations for Prime Minister Tareque Rahman’s leadership in fostering a business-friendly environment in Bangladesh. In response, the Bangladeshi government pledged to work with transparency, as stated in the Japanese government’s official release.
Security cooperation was also given importance in the meeting. It was announced that Japan has decided to supply patrol vessels to enhance Bangladesh’s maritime security capabilities. The two Prime Ministers also agreed to continue security and defense cooperation and work jointly to maintain regional peace and security.
Tareque Rahman, during the meeting, recalled Japan’s recognition of Bangladesh immediately after its independence and its long-standing cooperation in Bangladesh’s development. He also mentioned that Japan is a special partner to the people of Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister expressed his hope to elevate the long-standing friendship between the two countries to a new height.
Regional and international situations were also discussed in the meeting. The two leaders exchanged views on various issues, including North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, abduction-related problems, and the situation in Myanmar. They also agreed to continue mutual cooperation at the United Nations.
The Japanese Prime Minister stated that the strategic partnership between the two countries would be further strengthened through public and private sector initiatives. She reiterated her commitment to working closely with Tareque Rahman to establish peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
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