Dhaka, 26 July 2022 (TDI): The Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Japan, Honda Taro, visited State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, Shahriar Alam, on Sunday.
The visit was made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, HONDA Taro called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam at State Guest House Padma. Both agreed to elevate the bilateral relations in 2022 to mark 50th anniversary of establishment of bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/PFL7W90JDw
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh (@BDMOFA) July 25, 2022
Remarks by Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs
In the meeting, Shahriar Alam recalled the historic visit of the Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to Japan in October 1973, which laid the foundation for the excellent bilateral relations between the two nations today.
He recalled the 2014 visit of then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Bangladesh. During the visit, the bilateral relationship between the two nations was elevated to the “Comprehensive Partnership” level.
He also highlighted the successful trips of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan in 1997, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2019. The visits reaffirmed the two nations’ long-standing friendship.
Remarks by Japanese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs
Vice-Minister, Honda Taro stated Japan’s intention to provide new depth and content to the existing collaboration.
He also expected a formal visit by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan later this year to elevate the ‘Comprehensive Partnership’ to a higher level.
Furthermore, he lauded Bangladesh’s spectacular socio-economic development under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, especially Bangladesh’s graduation into a developing country.
Japan has pledged to continue supporting Bangladesh’s rapid socio-economic development even after Bangladesh’s formal graduation in 2026.
Also Read: Malaysia, Bangladesh celebrate 50 years of Diplomatic Ties
Both parties discussed enhancing collaboration in multiple areas, including bilateral trade, Japanese foreign direct investment in Bangladesh, and people-to-people networking for mutual benefit.
They also indicated a willingness to strengthen collaboration in international forums, including the United Nations, notably in the areas of the Sustainable Development Goals, climate change, migration, and UN reforms.
In addition, the Vice-Minister praised Bangladesh’s leadership in UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding initiatives.
Remarks on Rohingya Situation
Vice-Minister HONDA Taro praised Bangladesh’s contribution to sustaining regional stability by hosting Rohingyas and pledged to maintain Japan’s support for their safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation.
The State Minister requested Japan’s active support for a long-lasting political solution to the Rohingya situation.
Honda Taro also paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister, A.K. Abdul Momen, along with the president of JICA, Tanaka Akihiko.
Mr. HONDA Taro, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and Mr. TANAKA Akihiko, President of JICA jointly called on Hon’ble Foreign Minister Dr. A . K. Abdul Momen today at his office. At the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral issues of mutual interests. pic.twitter.com/JoRrM8Elfz
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh (@BDMOFA) July 24, 2022
In addition, they visited the JICA-funded Matarbari Power Plant project, Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, and a memorial service for the Holey Artisan victims involved in the MRT project.
