Diplomatic Correspondent

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba on Friday reaffirmed Japan’s full support for the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Professor Yunus, in its nation-building efforts, reform initiatives and commitment to a peaceful transition.

“Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan’s full support to the Interim Government of Bangladesh led by Professor Yunus for its nation-building efforts, its reform initiatives and its endeavour towards a peaceful transition in Bangladesh,” said a Japan-Bangladesh joint press statement.

Ishiba made the assurance during a bilateral meeting with Prof a Yunus at his office in the morning.

Prof Yunus expressed gratitude to the Japan government for its continued support to foster sustainable economic growth and development in Bangladesh in advancing Japan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, especially the projects under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) Initiative, including Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI).

Recalling the long-standing friendship since the independence of Bangladesh, both sides reaffirmed their commitments to the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

They also reiterated their shared vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) to ensure peace, stability and shared prosperity for all. 

During the meeting, both sides held discussions on international and regional matters and reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation for ensuring peace and stability in the region and beyond, upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter. 

Both sides also affirmed their support to multilateralism based on the rule of law, as well as to democracy.

The two leaders held in-depth discussions on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest in a candid manner.

In this regard, both sides welcomed the signing of the Exchange of Notes for the Development Policy Loan for Economic Reform and Strengthening Climate Change Resilience, and the Loan for the Project for the Construction of Dual Gauge Double Line Between Joydebpur-Ishurdi Section (I).

The two sides also welcomed the signing of MoUs and MoC, including ones on One Stop Service (OSS) system in BIDA, installation of pre-paid gas meter, setting up factory for battery-run cycles, launching a pilot project for information security, and land agreements with the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), to promote Japanese investment in Bangladesh. 

They underscored the importance of concluding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in mutually beneficial way and instructed their respective ministries and negotiating teams to accelerate negotiations to reach an agreement at the earliest possible time.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening political and security cooperation, including early delivery of five patrol boats to Bangladesh Navy under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA).

They welcomed that the two governments agreed in principle on the agreement concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology, and expressed their hope for early conclusion of the Agreement.

The leaders discussed ways to promote people-to-people exchanges, including skilled human resources and concurred in strengthening cultural ties between the two countries. 

In this regard, Professor Yunus thanked Prime Minister Ishiba for Japan’s continued support for human resource development in Bangladesh, including the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship.

Prime Minister Ishiba commended Bangladesh for temporarily sheltering the Forcibly Displaced Persons from Rakhine State, Myanmar, and extending continued humanitarian assistance to them.

Professor Yunus appreciated Japan’s humanitarian assistance for these Forcibly Displaced Persons, including those in Bhasan Char.

Japan reaffirmed its sustained efforts on this issue. 

Both sides shared the view that a sustainable, safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the displaced persons to Myanmar is the ultimate solution to this crisis for peace and stability across the region. 

They also recognised the importance of sincere dialogue among all relevant stakeholders to resolve the crisis.

Prof Yunus expressed sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Ishiba and the people of Japan for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and invited Prime Minister Ishiba to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

The nearly half-an-hour-long meeting began around 11:35am at the office of the Japanese Prime Minister, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

Prior to the talks, the Chief Adviser was accorded a red-carpet reception and a guard of honour.

Prof Yunus arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and to hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

In February this year, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ikuina Akiko invited Chief Adviser Prof Yunus to visit Japan for the Nikkei 30th Future of Asia event. Prof Yunus is also a recipient of the Nikkei Asia Prize in 2004.