Newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi today called on Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Foreign ministry, Dhaka. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Jan 27, 2025 (BSS) - Japan will provide five patrol vessels to Bangladesh for helping the country to protect its coastal area. 

This was revealed while newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi paid a courtesy call on Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here this morning, said a press release

The envoy also expressed Japan’s readiness to sign an agreement to provide equipment on air pollution monitoring in Bangladesh.

During the meeting, the Japanese Ambassador reiterated Japan’s strong support for the Bangladesh interim government and mentioned that upcoming Parliamentary Vice Minister level visit will officially convey this message of political support. 

He underscored the importance of holding Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) soon and regular exchange of high-level visits between the two countries.

He also expressed satisfaction over the ongoing negotiations of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two countries.

 He informed that JICA Chief is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in March this year. 

The Foreign Adviser thanked the Government of Japan for their support for the interim government.  

He also thanked Tokyo for being Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner and acknowledged Japan’s contribution to major development initiatives in Bangladesh. 

He also mentioned that Bangladesh’s relationship with Japan has always been steady and Japanese investments in Bangladesh will always be secured.

The Adviser thanked Japan’s continued efforts towards a durable solution for the safe, sustainable, and dignified return of Rohingyas to the Rakhine State of Myanmar.

He also appreciated Japan’s humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas including those relocated in Bhashan Char.

Mentioning that recent developments in Rakhine State is adding pressure on Bangladesh, he sought Japanese support for the upcoming conference on Rohingya crisis to be organized by Bangladesh in Doha in collaboration with the United Nations. 

Both sides talked about bilateral collaboration as well as mutual support in election matters in the international fora.

The Foreign Adviser expressed hope that Bangladesh Japan relationship will reach a new height during his tenure.