Dhaka, 19 February 2019:

Japan will continue its support to Bangladesh in its bilateral efforts to repatriate Rohingyas to Myanmar, said Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshiko Abe during official talks with Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam in Dhaka today. Japanese State Minister is paying a two day visit to Bangladesh to reiterate Japan’s efforts in resolving Rohingya crisis.

Issues of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan came up in the discussion. Shahriar Alam expressed hope that Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (Big-B) Initiative will accelerate cooperation for development of quality infrastructure and the investment environment in Bangladesh and will strengthen regional connectivity. He requested to include Bangladesh as a source country for recruitment of workers under   Japan’s New Immigration Law. Toshiko Abe sought a safe and conducive investment environment in Bangladesh and requested to continue to secure the safety of Japanese people in Bangladesh. Shariar Alam narrated security measures undertaken by the Law Enforcement Agencies in Bangladesh to protect Japanese Project sites and personnel.

Toshiko Abe reiterated commitment of Japanese humanitarian assistance for temporary sheltering of Rohingyas in Bangladesh and continued support for safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar and their resettlement. Shahriar Alam underscored the need of practical steps from Myanmar authorities so that Rohingyas feel safe to return to their homeland.