Dhaka, Monday, 14 May 2018 ( Received from Tokyo):

Japan will support Bangladesh to promote mutual bilateral interests as well to realize the development goals of Bangladesh, the Japanese Foreign Minister, Taro Kono, stated during the official talks with his counterpart Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh in Tokyo today. The Foreign Minister is now on a 3-day official trip to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Foreign Minister.

During the official talks, the two Foreign Minister discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries and reiterated their commitment to further promote comprehensive partnership and strengthen the traditionally close ties between the two countries. Mr. Kono reassured Mr. Ali of Japan’s continued support to Bangladesh’s development efforts.

Mr. Kono highly praised Bangladesh’s efforts and generous support in hosting the displaced persons from Myanmar, and both the leaders agreed on the importance of the safe and dignified return of the refugees at the earliest possible time.

Earlier the Foreign Minister met JICA President, Mr. Shinichi Kitaoka, and exchanged views to strengthen mutual development cooperation between the two countries. Mr. Kitaoka lauded the economic development taking place in Bangladesh and spoke highly of the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He informed the Foreign Minister that JICA’s development assistance will continue to realize the development goals of Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Ali also met the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida separately and exchanged views to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.