Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned the solid foundation of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan are poised to be raised from “Comprehensive Partnership” to “Strategic Partnership” in the near future.
She said this in a video message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations with Japan on Tuesday.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also issued a separate goodwill video message.
Both the prime ministers committed to strengthening bonds of amity and cooperation.
Hasina acknowledged the sustained economic cooperation and support of Japan and expressed the hope that the last fifty years’ enviable cooperation would remain an inspiration for the coming fifty years for mutually beneficial gains.
Both the Prime Ministers congratulated the people of the two friendly countries on this momentous occasion. Japan officially recognised Bangladesh as an independent state on 10 February 1972.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, expressed the gratitude of the people of Bangladesh for the precious support and contributions of Japan and its people during Bangladesh’s War of Liberation.
She highlighted the historic visit of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in October 1973, which laid the foundation of a steadfast and lasting friendship between the two countries.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in his message, reiterated Japan’s commitment to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh. He referred to the visit of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in October 1973 as the solid base in the history of bilateral relations between the two countries.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to stand beside Bangladesh for the mutual benefits of the two countries.
The Japanese Prime Minister also assured Japan’s continued support to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Ito Naoki took part at a ceremony jointly organized on this occasion by the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh to celebration the event.
As the Chief Guest of the ceremony, Mr Momen said since independence, Japan has committed to providing support of more than US$ 24 billion as project aid, food aid and commodity aid to Bangladesh in the form of grants, loans and technical assistance.
“Until FY20, Bangladesh received a total of US$14.25 billion worth of assistance from Japan. Since the Government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009, our two countries have consolidated close cooperation to new heights through trade, investment, development cooperation, education and cultural exchange, and a broad spectrum of people-to-people contacts” he added.
The minister said now both the countries are working to elevate the current "comprehensive partnership” into a "strategic partnership” on the basis of shared interests, targets and priorities.
Foreign Secretary Mr Masud highlighted the historical kinship between the two countries.
He stressed the instrumental role of Japan as a key development partner in this endeavour.
Ambassador of Japan Ito Naoki highlighted the robust multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, trade, investment and people-to-people contacts.
He assured Japan’s continued cooperation for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh as well as the repatriation of Rohingya people.
Colourful dance performances at the courtesy of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy were also presented at the ceremony.
Chairmen of BIDA, BEPZA, BEZA and high-level representatives from the Japanese business community in Bangladesh, among others, attended the event.
