Opportunity to elevate BD-Japan ties to new height: PM

He made the remarks during a joint press conference held at the Kantei (the Official Residence of the Prime Minister of Japan) in Tokyo, following high-level bilateral discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at 11:45 AM local time.

"Bangladesh-Japan relations rest on a solid foundation of mutual respect and trust," Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, reiterating Bangladesh's expectation of Japan's continued partnership in its next phase of national development.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed Japan's deep support for Bangladesh, emphasizing Tokyo's keen interest in strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh around the Bay of Bengal regional corridor.

Upon his arrival at the Kantei, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was officially received by Prime Minister Takaichi and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honor by a contingents of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, accompanied by the playing of the national anthems of both nations. Following the ceremony, both leaders introduced their respective cabinet members and delegation officials before proceeding to sign the guestbook and engaging in restricted talks.

Prime Minister Takaichi later hosted an official luncheon at the Kantei in honor of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, featuring welcome remarks and celebratory toasts exchanged by both heads of government.

The four-day official visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Takaichi, began on Monday morning when Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at Narita International Airport, where he was received by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasutaka Nakasone.

On the first day of his visit, the Prime Minister held separate high-level meetings with a parliamentary delegation led by former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka.

During the meeting with Taro Aso, the Prime Minister recalled their earlier meeting in 2006, expressing appreciation for Aso's role in advancing bilateral ties and extending an invitation for him to visit Bangladesh, according to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir.

Discussions with Marubeni Corporation focused on expanding trade and investment, advancing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and attracting Japanese investment in information and communication technology, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The modernization of Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) and potential plans for establishing a second fertilizer plant in Bangladesh were also highlighted.

In his meeting with JICA President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, the Prime Minister discussed accelerating ongoing infrastructure projects and proposed establishing a Bangladesh-Japan Skills Partnership, along with developing a Technology Village and Innovation City. Discussions also covered agricultural modernization, agro-processing, light engineering, and energy security.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Forum and hold roundtables with prominent Japanese business leaders during the remainder of his visit.

The high-level Bangladeshi delegation includes Dr. Zubaida Rahman; Minister for Finance and Planning Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury; Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat; Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir; State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir; State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit; and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Post, Telecommunications, ICT, and Science & Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

Other members of the delegation include Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury; Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr. Md. Shakirul Islam Khan; Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam; Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury; Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky; Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atiqur Rahman Rumon; Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General and Nezame Islam Party Acting Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi; and Aam Janata Party General Secretary Md. Tarique Rahman.

-SA