Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan and Bangladesh on April 11 agreed to elevate their comprehensive partnership “to greater heights” as they mark the 50th anniversary of establishing their diplomatic relations this year. The agreement took place at a meeting in Tokyo between foreign ministers HAYASHI Yoshimasa and Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen.

The two ministers welcomed the port visit by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel at Chattogram in January and shared the view to build up security cooperation.

Hayashi and Momen also confirmed that based on the concept of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, they will advance cooperation on various infrastructure projects under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative toward the further development of Bangladesh, which is located in a strategically significant position connecting Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

The Foreign Ministry in Tokyo said that Minister Hayashi also emphasized ensuring development finance meets international rules and standards, including transparency and equity.

The issue of the displaced persons from Rakhine State, Myanmar, was on the agenda of the meeting. Minister Hayashi stated that Japan is supporting Bangladesh’s initiatives, including being the first to implement humanitarian assistance for displaced persons relocated to Bhasan Char.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the foreign ministers “concurred to continue to work together closely in response to the situation in Ukraine,” the ministry said.