Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has praised the leadership of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareque Rahman. At the same time, she has assured Japan’s strong support for Bangladesh’s development and nation-building efforts. The Japanese Prime Minister also pledged to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries based on democracy, the rule of law, and shared values.
A bilateral summit meeting between Tareque Rahman and Sanae Takaichi was held on Tuesday (October 27) at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo. This meeting took place on the second day of the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s four-day visit to Japan. Following the meeting, the two leaders issued a joint declaration and exchanged several memorandums of understanding on cooperation in various important sectors. These details were provided in a statement released by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a post on her social media platform ‘X’ after the meeting, Takaichi stated that she was delighted to personally congratulate Tareque Rahman on assuming responsibility as the leader of a friendly nation that believes in shared values such as democracy. She also announced that Japan would firmly support the nation-building and national development initiatives of the Bangladeshi government, which was formed through democratic elections.
Takaichi noted that Bangladesh is a crucial partner for Japan in establishing a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ region. She also highlighted that Bangladesh’s strategic geographical location, connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, has created new possibilities for cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting particularly emphasized increasing economic cooperation between the two countries. Both leaders agreed to advance the ‘Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt’ (BIG-B) initiative within a new strategic framework. This initiative, named ‘Sharing Prosperity BIG-B,’ will focus on improving connectivity, creating opportunities for economic growth, mitigating disaster and geopolitical risks, and strengthening regional peace and stability.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, new investments by Japanese companies in Bangladesh could reach one trillion yen over the next five years. Takaichi also mentioned the potential for creating approximately two hundred thousand jobs through this. She expressed interest in sending an economic delegation soon to further boost Japanese investment in Bangladesh.
Besides expanding trade and investment, the two leaders agreed to expedite the implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and enhance cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, environment, climate change, and aviation sectors. Takaichi also expressed expectations for Prime Minister Tareque Rahman’s leadership in fostering a business-friendly environment in Bangladesh. In response, the Bangladeshi government pledged to work with transparency, as stated in Japan’s official statement.
Security cooperation was also highlighted during the meeting. It was announced that Japan has decided to supply patrol vessels to enhance Bangladesh’s maritime security capabilities. The two Prime Ministers also agreed to continue security and defense cooperation between the two countries and to work jointly to maintain regional peace and security.
During the meeting, Tareque Rahman recalled Japan’s recognition of Bangladesh immediately after its independence and the country’s long-standing cooperation in Bangladesh’s development. He also noted that Japan is a special partner to the people of Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister expressed hope to elevate the long-standing friendship between the two countries to greater heights.
Regional and international situations were also discussed at the meeting. The two leaders exchanged views on various issues, including North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, abduction-related problems, and the situation in Myanmar. They also agreed to continue mutual cooperation at the United Nations.
The Japanese Prime Minister stated that the strategic partnership between the two countries would be further strengthened through public and private sector initiatives. She also reiterated her commitment to work closely with Tareque Rahman to establish peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
