Dhaka, Tokyo decide to enhance cooperation in defence, economy

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio have welcomed the initiation of negotiations on agreement concerning the transfer of defence equipment and technology, recognising the future potential.

They decided to “elevate” the bilateral relationship to a “strategic partnership” as a guiding principle to lead the two countries’ journey into the next 50 years and beyond.

Both leaders shared the determination to enhance cooperation, specifically in three major areas - cooper-ation for peace and stability in the region and beyond, deepening economic cooperation for mutual bene-fits and regional prosperity, and expansion of cultural cooperation and people to people exchanges.

At the invitation of the Japanese prime minister, Sheikh Hasina is currently on an official visit and had a summit meeting on April 26.

The two prime ministers welcomed recent frequent port calls in Chattogram by vessels of the Japan Mari-time Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and the high-level mutual visits of the Japan Self-Defence Forces and Bangladesh Armed Forces.

In light of the memorandum of cooperation and exchanges formulated between the defence authorities from the two sides, they concurred to continue to promote security cooperation such as mutual visits by vessels and aircraft, unit-to-unit exchange, training programmes and goodwill exercises.

In addition, both PMs have decided to consider opening a defence wing in Tokyo and a national security wing in Dhaka in their respective embassies in the near future.

Furthermore, they agreed to enhance dialogue among the respective diplomatic and defence authorities in order to identify possible ways to strengthen the security cooperation.

Prime Minister Kishida explained Japan’s efforts for fundamentally reinforcing its defence capabilities and strengthening diplomatic efforts, as illustrated in the new National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy, and Defence Buildup Program.

Prime Minister Hasina shared Bangladesh’s plan and initiative for further modernizing its armed forces un-der the Forces Goal 2030.

Both prime ministers acknowledged the efforts by both countries to contribute to their respective regional security.