Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, began a bilateral summit in Tokyo today to strengthen the two countries’ strategic partnership, boost trade and investment, and expand cooperation in key sectors.
The talks began at 11:45 am local time at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, which is known as the Kantei.
Earlier, Takaichi welcomed Tarique at the Kantei upon his arrival. He was also accorded a guard of honour by a contingent of the Japanese armed forces.
Following the ceremony, Takaichi introduced members of her cabinet to Tarique, who then introduced members of his delegation to the Japanese prime minister.
The two leaders were scheduled to hold talks until 12:10 p.m. and to make a joint announcement regarding the outcome of their discussions at 12:15 p.m.
Takaichi was also scheduled to host a luncheon in honour of Tarique from 12:30pm to 1:10pm.
At the beginning of the lunch, she was scheduled to deliver a brief welcome remark and propose a toast, followed by a short reply and return toast from Tarique.
According to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, the two leaders would discuss strengthening bilateral relations, expanding business, trade and investment, Japanese cooperation in various sectors, and international issues.
The two sides were also expected to explore cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, science and technology, digital transformation, skills development, and human resource development.
Tarique is leading a high-level delegation comprising Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.
Other members of the delegation include Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, and Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific region. The delegation also features Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.
Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General and Nezame Islam Party acting Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi, along with Am Janatar Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman, are also accompanying the prime minister.
The national flags of the two countries were displayed along the road leading to the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office to welcome Tarique.
Tarique then signed the visitors’ book at the entrance to the building’s main hall before the two leaders sat down for bilateral talks.
The prime minister reached Tokyo on Monday morning on a four-day visit at Takaichi’s invitation.
He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakasone Yasutaka.
This is Tarique’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously visited Malaysia and China on state visits and travelled to New York in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Why it matters
The summit between Bangladesh and Japan deepens bilateral strategic cooperation and secures expanded economic investment and technical assistance.