Japan
Saudis in off-field win before Japan, Koreans exit World Cup
Hours before Japan and South Korea endured painful second-round exits from the World Cup in Qatar, continental soccer rival Saudi Arabia had plenty to celebrate.
The All India Football Federation’s decision to pull out of the race to host the 2027 Asian Cup, announced while all the football focus in East Asia was centered on Japan and South Korea’s knockout games on Monday, left Saudi Arabia as the only candidate to host the continental championship.
South Korea, which lost 4-1 to Brazil, and Japan, edged by Croatia after a penalty shootout, progressed further in the World Cup than either Qatar or Saudi Arabia. Off the field, though, the power in Asian soccer moved toward the west side of the continent.
Saudi Arabia is set to be officially confirmed as 2027 host in February when the Asian Football Confederation meets in Bahrain. It will be the first time that the country has staged the continental competition and could also lead to a future World Cup bid.
Read more: Qatar World Cup: Are Brazil and Japan favourites to meet in quarterfinals?
“People forget that Saudi Arabia has hosted many international events including the 1989 World Youth Cup and three editions of the Confederations Cup,” Hafez Al-Medlej, a former member of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation and the AFC, told domestic media. “The 2027 Asian Cup will be one of the most successful Asian competitions given Saudi Arabia’s ability to host sporting events and this will show that the country will be able to host the World Cup in the coming years.”
While the teams from East Asia have traditionally performed better at soccer’s marquee tournament — South Korea’s run to the World Cup semifinals when it co-hosted the 2002 tournament with Japan remains the best performance by an Asian team — West Asia has kept making strides in the running of the sport.
The United Arab Emirates hosted the 2019 Asian Cup and Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa is set to be named as AFC president for a third term in February. Qatar beat off a challenge from South Korea in October to host the 2023 Asian Cup, using the facilities created for the World Cup.
The Korea Football Association responded to that decision in October with a statement that highlighted some of Qatar’s lobbying.
“Qatar has promised huge financial support, such as the participation of additional sponsors by its own companies in the AFC, which is currently suffering from a loss due to COVID-19, a large-scale broadcasting rights contract with its own broadcasting company, and support for operating expenses of the Asian Cup,” the KFA said in the statement.
Saudi Arabia has never hosted the Asian Cup, which it has won three times since the inaugural event in 1956. The most recent title was in 1996.
Hosting the 2027 edition shaped to be a blockbuster contest when the Saudis, Qatar, Iran, India and Uzbekistan initially submitted bids more than two years ago.
India’s football federation said the Asian Cup in 2027 didn’t fit its strategic priorities.
Read more: Qatar World Cup: Who are likely to advance to the quarterfinals?
“India has always been a wonderful and efficient host to big tournaments, which was amply demonstrated in the recently concluded FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup,” AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said in a statetment. “However, the Executive Committee has decided that the overall strategy of the federation currently remains on focusing on the fundamental goals to strengthen our football at every level from grassroots to youth development.”
World Cup host Qatar was awarded the 2023 edition of the Asian Cup after China handed back its hosting rights, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. That tournament is expected to be pushed back to January 2024.
The Korean Football Association said in October that it would take time to reflect on its failure to win the Asian Cup bid, saying it “will do more research and practice on measures to strengthen international competitiveness and soccer diplomacy in the future.”
In the short-term however, as Japan and South Korea leave Doha, they know they will soon return.
Japan summon samurai spirit against Croatia
Japan defender Yuto Nakatomo has told his teammates they’ll need to show “samurai spirit” in Monday’s round-of-16 match against Croatia at the World Cup.
And they’ll need another quality that Nakatomo learned playing for almost a decade in Italy, mostly with Inter Milan.
“Coraggio,” Nakatomo said. “We need to play with courage.”
Japan are appearing in the knockout stage for the fourth time and still searching for their first win. They rallied in group play to beat both Germany and Spain — two former world champions — 2-1 but also stumbled to a 1-0 loss against Costa Rica.
Croatia, the smallest country in the final 16 with a population of only 4 million, were the runner-up four years ago against France and finished third in 1998.
Could the third time be the charm?
“Why not,” said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.
This is Nakatomo’s fourth World Cup, and he recalls how Japan led Belgium 2-0 in a round of 16 match four years ago in Russia but were eliminated 3-2 on a goal scored late in second-half stoppage time.
“I have never forgotten,” Nakatomo said, before returning to the subject of Japanese samurai warriors as a metaphor for Japan’s World Cup campaign.
“They try to improve their techniques,” he said. “But if they are scared during the battle they will not be able to use their weapons and techniques fully.”
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said the loss to Belgium was a valuable lesson for his team.
“That experience was very precious and we can reflect on what we learned in that match with Belgium,” he said.
Dalic said his team will be well prepared; they have seen many Japan players in action in the German league.
“They will apply the samurai philosophy in their game,” he said. “We will also do our part. We know how important this match is for us. We know who the opponent is. We know their mentality. If we want to go farther we must apply that same standard, that same attitude.”
Croatia advanced with 0-0 draws against Belgium and Morocco, which came either side of a 4-1 victory over Canada.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, the world player of the year in 2018, remains the heartbeat of a team whose experienced midfield is typically a match for any opponent but which still lacks a prolific scorer up front.
The winners Monday face either five-time champion Brazil or South Korea in the quarterfinals.
World Cup redemption for Japan coach 29 years later in Qatar
The “Agony of Doha” came 29 years ago, and Hajime Moriyasu experienced it first-hand as a midfielder on Japan’s national soccer team.
He’s now the coach, and he’s made amends.
Japan won its World Cup group on Thursday after beating 2010 champion Spain 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium. Last week, the team defeated 2014 champion Germany by the same score at the same venue.
Read more: Arabs unite in celebration as Morocco advances in World Cup
As time was winding down against Spain, Moriyasu was thinking about that game in Qatar against Iraq in 1993 that cost the team a spot in the next year’s tournament.
“About one minute before the end,” Moriyasu said after the win over Spain, “I remembered the tragedy in Doha.”
Leading 2-1 in the team’s final qualifier and knowing one goal for the opposition would spell the end, Japan conceded in stoppage time. Their World Cup hopes were dashed, and so was Moriyasu’s chances of playing at the biggest soccer tournament in the world. This time it was different. This time the defense held it together. This time the 54-year-old Moriyasu got his Hollywood ending by winning Group E.
“I could feel that the times have changed,” Moriyasu said, praising his team’s aggressive defending. “They are playing a new kind of soccer, that’s how I felt.”
Japan’s resistance on the field was typified by 34-year-old captain Maya Yoshida. The veteran central defender reacted fastest when a loose ball in the 90th minute bounced in the goalmouth, up in front of a gaping empty net, after goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda blocked a shot by Jordi Alba.
Yoshida twisted his body to beat Marco Asensio to the ball and clear the danger. When Spain forward Dani Olmo took control seconds later, Gonda blocked his shot with a smothering dive.
Read more: Germany’s soul-searching begins after another World Cup flop
On the offensive side, Japan scored in the 48th and 51st minutes. Against Germany, the goals came in the 75th and 83rd.
“In 10 minutes we were dismantled,” Spain coach Luis Enrique said.
Up next is Croatia, a team that reached the final four years ago in Russia. Another victory on Monday would put Japan in the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
“We,” the coach said, “are gifting this win to the people of Japan.”
Japan will continue to work toward resolution of Rohingya issue: Ambassador
Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said he sincerely hopes that the "safe, voluntary and dignified" repatriation to Myanmar will happen soon.
"As the crisis is turning into its sixth year, it is essential to keep the attention of the global community, while multiple emergencies have been taking place in different parts of the world," he said.
The envoy said Japan will continue to work toward the resolution of the Rohingya issue.
Read more: Momen ‘not worried’ about Japanese Ambassador’s remarks, calls him a ‘simple, good person’
He said education, skills development and livelihood opportunities are the critical areas of responses for the resilience of the Rohingyas.
Ambassador Naoki had an official visit to the camp in Cox's Bazar on Thursday, where over 920,000 Rohingyas reside.
Witnessing the ongoing activities in the field, he said, "Every time I visit Rohingya camps, I am impressed by the tireless work of the UN agencies and NGOs for assisting the refugees. This is my last visit to the camp before leaving this country, but I will continue to extend my thoughts and empathy to the government of Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees and host communities."
Read more: Japan, UNFPA join hands to provide $3.7 million assistance to Rihingyas in Bhasan Char, host communities in Noakhali
He visited an E-voucher outlet and Upcycling Center of WFP, a Learning Center of UNICEF, a skill development site of UNHCR, where Rohingya refugees produce hygiene kits under the collaboration of Japanese company Fast Retailing and UNHCR, and the office of RRRC.
Ambassador Naoki also observed the protection and camp management activities of IOM as well as sustainable land management and environmental rehabilitation project of UNHCR.
Since the large influx in August 2017, Japan has contributed over 175 million USD to various interventions in Cox's Bazar as well as in Bhasan Char through international organizations and NGOs, according to the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka.
These assistances included food assistance, healthcare, WASH, shelter, protection, and gender.
Spain vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE Streaming: Where and how to watch online and on TV Channel, predicted XI
Here you can get all the details as to When, Where, and How you can watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 between Spain vs Japan Live Streaming
Spain and Japan will compete in the last Group E fixture with their chances of moving on to the World Cup knockout rounds still in doubt.
La Roja only needs to avoid losing; a victory would assure them first place in Group E. Japan must win in order to advance, but if the other fixture between Germany and Costa Rica ends in a draw, a draw would be sufficient.
So on Thursday, everything is set up for a tight but captivating final-night match to decide who proceeds to the round of 16.
Where and how to watch FIFA World Cup 2022 Spain vs Japan live in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh viewers can watch the match live on all of these channels: BTV, T Sports, PTE LTD and Viacom 18.
Spain vs Japan match on Toffee apps live-The digital platform powered by Banglalink
Bangladesh viewers can also enjoy live stream online the World Cup games on Toffee, the digital platform powered by Banglalink.
Spain vs Japan Match Live on Facebook and Youtube
Many Facebook pages and YouTube channels also live the match
How to watch Spain vs Japan live stream in India
In India, the World Cup is being televised on Sports18, but every game is being shown for free and in 4K via the JioCinema app. You can live stream Spain vs Japan on Friday night.
Coverage is available in Hindi, English, Malayalam, Bengali and Tamil, and the JioCinema app is compatible with Chromecast, so you can get a big-screen experience.
Anyone outside of India who wants to watch their home World Cup coverage can just pick up a good VPN and follow the instructions above to safely live stream the action.
How to watch Spain vs Japan live stream in Australia
Football fans in Australia can watch Spain vs Japan, along with every World Cup 2022 game, on free-to-air SBS. You can tune in on TV or live stream Spain vs Japan using SBS On Demand.
Read more: Brazil vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2022 LIVE Streaming: Where and how to watch online and on TV Channel, predicted XI
SBS on Demand is free to use and works on a range of smart devices including mobile phones, smart TVs and web browsers.
How to watch Spain vs Japan live stream World Cup 2022 soccer in the US without cable
Soccer fans in the US can watch Spain vs Japan on FS1 and Peacock TV, with kick-off set for 11am ET / 8am PT on Sunday morning.
FS1 shares TV rights to the 2022 World Cup group stage with Fox, but Fox will be showing every game of the knockouts.
Spain vs Japan live stream without cable
If you don't have cable TV, a cord-cutting service is what you need for instant access to Fox and FS1. Sling Blue is the cheapest option. It's $40 per month but you can get your first month half-price with this discount.
FuboTV is another good option. It carries both Fox and FS1, and over 100 channels besides, and allows you to watch the World Cup 2022 in 4K HDR. It's more expensive at $69.99 a month, but first there's a FREE FuboTV trial.
Every game of the World Cup is also being shown on Peacock TV, but the catch is that commentary will be in Spanish. To make up for that, Spain vs Japan and a few other games are being shown for FREE. The Peacock price comes in at $4.99 a month and the service also offers live coverage of the NFL, EPL and WWE.
If you subscribe to Sling, Peacock or any other US streaming service, and find yourself unable to access coverage because you're out of the country, consider using a VPN – we rate ExpressVPN as the best of the best.
How to watch Spain vs Japan live stream in UK
Football fans in the UK can watch Spain vs Japan live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, along with many more World Cup 2022 games, as coverage of the tournament is split evenly between the BBC and ITV.
Every BBC game will be on BBC TV channels in HD and also live streamed on BBC iPlayer in glorious 4K HDR. Just make sure you possess a valid TV license and that your device is 4K-compatible with iPlayer.
Away from home in the UK right now? No worries:
Use ExpressVPN to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad.
BBC iPlayer is free to use and works across a wide range of devices including smart TVs, laptops, games consoles, mobile phones, tablets and streaming sticks. You can watch all the other World Cup 2022 live streams for free on ITV Hub.
How to watch Spain vs Japan live stream in Canada
TSN is the place to watch every 2022 World Cup soccer game in Canada. If you get the channel as part of your cable deal, you'll be able to log in with the details of your provider for access Spain vs Japan live stream.
If you don't have cable, you can subscribe to TSN on a streaming-only basis for $19.99 a month or $199.90 per year.
If you decide to subscribe, or already have, remember you can take your favorite sports streaming service with you wherever you go – just try our No. 1 overall rated VPN 100% risk-free for 30-days and follow the instructions
How to watch live Spain vs Japan Match live from Iran and others country?
If you're abroad during World Cup 2022, and want to tune into your usual home coverage, you'll most likely find yourself geo-blocked and will need to use a VPN to unlock your access.
Read more: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia live stream, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 watch LIVE: Where and how to watch online and on TV Channel, predicted XI
A VPN is a piece of software that allows you to change your apparent location and World 2022 live streams from any country and streaming service you need. They're easy to use and super-secure. We rate ExpressVPN as the best VPN for streaming.
Spain vs Japan Match live on TV Channels
Bangladesh: BTV, Gazi TV, T-Sports
India: Sports18, Sports18 HD, Sony TV Networks
Pakistan: ARY Digital Network
Nepal: Media Hub Private Limited
Malaysia: Astro GO
Singapore: Singtel TV GO, CAST, StarHub TV+, MeWatch
New Zealand: Sky Go, Sky Sport NOW
Indian Subcontinent: Sony Network
What time and date will the FIFA World Cup 2022 Spain vs Japan match are played?
The Spain vs Japan match is set to play at the Khalifa International Stadium on Friday in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at 1.00 am IST
Spain vs Japan lineups: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Spain squad & team news
For Spain, star talent Gavi's presence in the starting lineup is doubtful due to an injury as he has missed a training session ahead of the game.
Veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets could also be given a rest as the midfielder is one booking away from a suspension.
Spain predicted XI: Simon; Carvajal, P. Torres, Laporte, Alba; Koke, Rodri, Pedri; F. Torres, Morata, Olmo
Position Players
Goalkeepers: Sanchez, Raya, Simon
Defenders: Azpilicueta, Guillamon, P. Torres, Garcia, Carvajal, Laporte, Balde
Midfielders: Busquets, Llorente, Pedri, Rodri, Koke, Gavi, Soler
Forwards: Morata, Pino, F. Torres, Asensio, Sarabia, Olmo, Williams, Ansu Fati
Japan squad & team news
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Sakai and Wataru Endo are doubtful for the crucial group stage clash against due to injuries.
Skipper Maya Yoshida, who is set to pick up his 125th cap for Japan, will want to make the occasion memorable with an important win.
Japan predicted XI: Gonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Tanaka, Morita; Doan, Kamada, Kubo; Maeda
Position Players
Goalkeepers: Kawashima, Gonda, Schmidt
Defenders: Yamane, Taniguchi, Nagatomo, Tomiyasu, Sakai, Itakura, Yoshida, Ito
Midfielders: Endo, Shibasaki, Minamino, Morita, Kamada, Tanaka, Doan, Soma
Forwards: Maeda, Kubo, Ueda, Asana, Ito, Mitoma
Spain vs Japan Head-to-head record
These two have never met at a World Cup and only have one prior meeting, a friendly in 2001.
Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Rubén Baraja got the only goal of the game.
Qatar World Cup: Spain has some work to do vs Japan to guarantee spot in the round of 16
After conceding late to miss out on a victory against Germany, Spain finds itself with some work left to do against Japan to guarantee its spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup.
It doesn’t need much, though, as a draw on Thursday will be enough, and even a loss may allow La Roja to advance depending on the other Group E result between Germany and Costa Rica.
Japan doesn’t have it as easy, but a win will guarantee the Japanese a place in the knockout stage for a second straight time. It would be the first time Japan advances past the group stage in back-to-back tournaments. If Japan loses, though, it will head home no matter what. The Japanese opened their campaign with a surprising win over four-time champions Germany before losing to Costa Rica. They were eliminated by Belgium in the last 16 in Russia.
Spain, which conceded an 83rd-minute equalizer against Germany, may also go home with a loss if Costa Rica beats Germany or if the Germans win big to overcome Spain’s goal difference after La Roja's 7-0 opening win over Costa Rica.
Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Young Spain rout experienced Costa Rica 7-0
A victory at Khalifa International Stadium will guarantee Spain first place in the group, and keep it on track for a possible matchup with five-time champions Brazil in the quarterfinals. Spain enters the final round with four points, one more than both Japan and Costa Rica. Germany has one point.
“We are not thinking about our opponents in the knockout rounds,” Spain midfielder Koke Resurrección said. “We need to beat Japan first and then we’ll see which team we’ll have to play against. If it’s Brazil in the quarterfinals, so be it, and we’ll try to prepare for it as best as possible.”
Germany’s chances of staying alive in Qatar will largely depend on Spain winning its match against Japan. Then a victory over Costa Rica would be enough for the Germans.
What may not help Germany is the fact that Spain coach Luis Enrique is expected to rotate some of his players after making only one change from the first to the second game — Dani Carvajal coming in for César Azpilicueta in the right back position.
Teenager Gavi, who started in the first two matches, trained separately from the group after the 1-1 draw with Germany because of a knock on a knee. He was expected to be available for Thursday’s match but was not likely to start.
Another midfielder expected to be rested is 34-year-old Sergio Busquets, the only remaining player from Spain’s World Cup-winning squad in 2010. Striker Álvaro Morata, who scored a goal in each of the first two matches after coming off the bench, could get a spot in the starting lineup against Japan.
Read more: Germany pin hopes on Spain match to avoid early FIFA World Cup exit
Japan could see Ayase Ueda and Junya Ito playing together in attack from the start for the first time.
The under-23 squads of Spain and Japan met in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics last year, when Spain advanced before eventually losing to Brazil in the final. Several players from those squads made their senior teams in Qatar, including Marco Asensio, who scored Spain’s winner in extra time in the semifinal against Japan, and Japan’s Takefusa Kubo, who plays for Real Sociedad in the Spanish league.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Germany earn crucial late draw against Spain
Germany forward Niclas Füllkrug salvaged a 1-1 draw against Spain on Sunday at the World Cup.
The Germans still need to win their last group match to have a chance of advancing to the knockout stage. The four-time champions were eliminated in the group stage four years ago in Russia.
Germany will next face Costa Rica, which defeated Japan 1-0 earlier Sunday. Even a win may not be enough for the Germans, who are in last place in Group E and need the other result to go their way.
Read more: World Cup: Costa Rica beat Japan 1-0 making things easier for Spain, Germany
Spain can reach the last 16 with a draw against Japan.
Álvaro Morata put Spain ahead in the 62nd minute and Füllkrug equalized for Germany in the 83rd.
The match between the pre-tournament favorites was one of the most anticipated in the group stage.
Spain tried to control the pace of the game with ball possession but wasn’t able to create many opportunities, while Germany was able to threaten sporadically with breakaways and set pieces.
Read more: Young Spain bring back 'tiki-taka' at World Cup
PM’s visit to be delayed for political situation, Covid restrictions in Japan: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said the planned visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan would be delayed due to a number of reasons including political situation in Japan and restricted mobility due to Covid-19.
"They have invited us. We are observing the situation," he told reporters at a media briefing at a hotel in Dhaka.
Momen also referred to resignation of three cabinet members of Japan and hinted that Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida might face more questions.
In a separate briefing, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Thursday hinted at the possibility of rescheduling PM Hasina's planned official visit to Japan.
Read more: PM’s Japan visit will happen soon, Shahriar Alam says
"The visit will soon take place. We have not made any official announcement regarding the visit," he told reporters, noting that the date will be announced later.
After his meeting with Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei Shunsuke, held at InterContinental Hotel, Dhaka today, Shahriar interacted with journalists present there.
He said there are many aspects in diplomacy and changes take place even at the last moment.
"You heard about a date but the visit is not taking place on that date considering the current perspective," he said.
Shahriar said there are some agreements and MoUs which will be signed during Prime Minister-level talks.
Earlier, FM Momen told the media that the visit might take place from November 29.
Read more: Bangladesh seeks direct shipping connectivity, PTA with Sri Lanka
On Wednesday evening, Momen said Japan is ready to receive a Bangladesh delegation led by PM Hasina to further deepen the relations between the two countries.
"Bangladesh-Japan relations are very deep. It will further be deepened through the visit," he told reporters.
Momen said Japan is keen to elevate the comprehensive relations to a strategic one. "We like each other."
Dhaka, Tokyo ties to be deepened through PM's visit: FM
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said Japan is ready to receive a Bangladesh delegation led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to further deepen the relations between the two countries.
"Bangladesh-Japan relations are very deep. It will further be deepened through the visit," he told reporters on Wednesday evening.
Momen said Japan is keen to elevate the comprehensive relations to a strategic one. "We like each other."
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to leave for Tokyo on November 29.
In a severe blow to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan's three cabinet members will leave in less than a month.
Read more: Dhaka to work closely with Tokyo to take relations to a new height: FM
Responding to a question on Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki's recent polls-related comments, Momen said certainly someone briefed him this way as he said he heard this.
He (ambassador) said this in a simple and plain way, Momen said. "He is a good friend of Bangladesh."
Read more: Dhaka, Tokyo to elevate bilateral ties to ‘strategic partnership’
Restoration of democracy in Myanmar is crucial for ‘sustainable’ repatriation of Rohingya, says Japan
Japan is banking on restoration of democracy in Myanmar for the sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh.
“Sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya would be possible after the resumption of democracy in Myanmar,” visiting Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs TAKEI Shunsuke.
He said this while calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban.
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters after the meeting.
He said that the Japanese state minister for foreign affairs said Japan supports Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue.
In reply, the PM said Japan can talk with Myanmar over Rohingya repatriation.
He said that it is required to wait for democracy for sustainable repatriation of Rohingya.
Sheikh Hasina said Rohingya have become a heavy burden as five years have already elapsed since they took shelter in Bangladesh in 2017.
She said the Rohingya population is increasing.
The PM said that the biggest challenge is that many of the Rohingya are involved in drug and arms trafficking.
She also said that Rohingya groups are fighting and killing each other.
She reiterated her call that Myanmar should take back Rohingya who are their own people.
Hasina described the relations between Bangladesh and Japan as wonderful and said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had laid the foundation of the relationship.
“The relations between Japan and Bangladesh have been growing,” she said.
The PM recalled the contribution of Japan with due respect during the War of Liberation and in rebuilding the war-ravaged Bangladesh soon after independence.
Read more: Myanmar situation doesn't allow full-scale Rohingya repatriation now: Japan
She also recalled the Japanese cooperation in Bangladesh’s development efforts.
“They are still working in Bangladesh’s various development projects including the Matharbari and third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport,” she said.
She described late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as a “great friend of Bangladesh”.
Japanese state minister said, “Japan feels proud being a development partner of Bangladesh. Japan will continue assisting Bangladesh in development efforts.”
He said that he visited Bangladesh five years ago and became astonished with its huge development in the last five years under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Hasina.
Read more: Japan, UNFPA join hands to provide $3.7 million assistance to Rihingyas in Bhasan Char, host communities in Noakhali
TAKEI Shunsuke said the Japan government is carrying forward the comprehensive partnership of Japan and Bangladesh launched in 2014 by Japanese late Prime Minister Abe and Hasina.
He said the operation of flight between Dhaka to Tokyo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh will promote connectivity in the days to come.
PM’s Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin, PM’s Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki were present among others.