Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has said his country looks forward to further promoting high-level exchanges, including at the head of state and ministerial levels, noting that the new chapter has just begun.
“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged a break from the past. Even now the Jatiya Sangsad is conferring to find a solution through earnest dialogue. The new chapter has just begun,” he said, reiterating the commitment to providing their unwavering support.
Celebrating the birthday of the Emperor, the Ambassador said as Bangladesh is growing toward an upper middle-income nation, they remain firmly committed to extending their steadfast assistance, as a faithful development partner since its independence, its strategic partner, and its friend in need, for the course of nation, charted by the new government.
Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain spoke as the chief guest and said the friendship between Bangladesh and Japan is deeply rooted in mutual trust, common aspirations and progress.
Terming Japan as one of Bangladesh's most trusted development partners, he said the unwavering friendship between the two countries, built on mutual respect and trust, has grown steadily over the past few decades.
The Minister said they are firmly committed to further strengthening Bangladesh's strategic partnership with Japan for shared peace, prosperity and stability.
In May last year, Ambassador Saida said their former Prime Minister Aso told his guest from Dhaka, former Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in Tokyo that, “It’s all about political stability. No stability, no economic growth.”
“In any country, and in any era, it’s never easy to restore law and order after an uprising,” said the Japanese envoy.
He said now it is getting clearer how well-conceived the new government’s “plan” is: ‘reconciliation to break the old-time cycle, restoration of law and order, and economic growth’ through enhanced investment.
“On behalf of our Government, let me express sincere appreciation and strongest support for this vision,” said Ambassador Saida.
In February this year, Bangladesh signed its first-ever Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan. The two countries also concluded the ‘defense equipment and technology transfer agreement,’ the 17th of its kind for japan.
“We look forward to a steady implementation of these agreements under the new government, thereby further strengthening our bilateral relations in both economic and security domains, and contributing to the country’s growth strategy,” said the envoy.
He said Japan’s development assistance has always been extended for the benefit of the people and the nation, never for any particular groupings.” I’m sure the same sense is shared by the Japanese business community.”
Even when many international investors took a wait-and-see stance, Ambassador Saida said Japanese companies definitely did their business as usual.
“We didn’t see even a single company that has withdrawn. I wish to express respect for their commitment and pledge our continued support to ensure that their integrity and perseverance will be duly paid off,” he said.
Japan welcomed the progress made in a series of their projects under the new government.
On the Rohingya issue, he said despite formidable challenges, Bangladesh has continued to manage this issue, the largest humanitarian crises in Asia.
The envoy reiterated his commendation to the government and the Armed Forces of Bangladesh for their tireless efforts, and pledged their continued support in close cooperation with the international community.
Political leaders, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, civil society members and senior journalists were present.