Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori expressed his contentment with the discussions between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan during Sheikh Hasina’s official visit to Japan. He stated that the two countries are focusing on a partnership that is both comprehensive and targeted-oriented.
Ambassador Iwama highlighted that their partnership has been elevated from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership. However, he emphasized that a strategic partnership goes beyond political and security issues, encompassing economic cooperation as well.
The ambassador also mentioned that the two countries should have mutually beneficial cooperation on the economic front. Moreover, he confirmed that the two nations have agreed to further enhance their existing defense cooperation.
Regarding Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook, the ambassador noted the similarities between Japan’s views on the Indo-Pacific region and the idea proposed by Bangladesh. He appreciated the concept but deemed it premature to evaluate it at the moment.
During the summit meeting in Tokyo, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio welcomed the initiation of negotiations concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology, recognizing future potential. They decided to “elevate” their bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership” as a guiding principle to lead the two countries’ journey into the next 50 years and beyond.
Both leaders shared the determination to enhance cooperation specifically in three major areas: cooperation for peace and stability in the region and beyond, deepening economic cooperation for mutual benefit and regional prosperity, and expansion of cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister, and they had a summit meeting on April 26.
