Bangladesh and Japan have agreed to further bolster bilateral ties next year marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The issue was discussed when Japanese Ambassador ITO Naiko called on Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam at his office in Dhaka on Thursday, a press release said on Friday.
Both the state minister and the ambassador expressed their satisfaction at the ever-expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries and agreed to organise befitting commemorative events both in Dhaka and Tokyo.
Naiko expected that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would pay an official visit to Japan next year.
Appreciating the socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, the Japanese ambassador assured of continuing its support to the South Asian country.
He said that the inauguration of Metro Rail Line-6 in 2022 would be a befitting event on the 50th anniversary.
Naiko also highlighted that the Arihajar Special Economic Zone would see Japanese and international investment worth $1 billion beginning next year, read the release.
Shahriar Alam thanked the Japanese government for their continued development assistance to Bangladesh and encouraged more Japanese private investment in Bangladesh for the mutual benefits of the two countries.
The state minister appreciated the Japanese government for their continued support to the Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh and highlighted that their early repatriation is a must for the sake of stability and security in the region.
He urged the Japanese government to use its influence to persuade Myanmar and the international community to create a conducive environment in Myanmar for the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas.
Ambassador Naoki reiterated the commitment of the government of Japan for continued support for the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
