Press Releases
Japan-Bangladesh Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
April 11, 2022
On April 11, commencing at 11:40 a.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, who is visiting Japan, for approximately 45 minutes. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi welcomed Minister Momen’s visit to Japan and expressed his intention to work closely with Minister Momen to elevate the Comprehensive Partnership between Japan and Bangladesh, as they mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, to even greater heights. In response, Minister Momen stated that together with Minister Hayashi, he would like to further enhance Japan-Bangladesh diplomatic relationship in this milestone year.
- The two ministers welcomed the port-visit by a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel at Chattogram in January, marking the beginning of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and shared the view to build up such security cooperation. The two ministers also confirmed that, based on the concept of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, which is shared by both countries, they will continue to advance cooperation, including various infrastructure projects under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative, towards the further development of Bangladesh, which is located in a strategically significant position connecting Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In this context, Minister Momen expressed his gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support, including the provision of COVID-19 vaccines. Minister Hayashi also raised the importance of ensuring development finance to meet international rules and standards, including transparency and equity.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the issue of the displaced persons from Rakhine State, Myanmar and affirmed that they will continue to work together. Minister Hayashi stated that Japan is supporting Bangladesh’s initiatives, including by being the first to implement humanitarian assistance for displaced persons who have been relocated to Bhasan Char. Minister Momen expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support.
- Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Minister Hayashi stated that Russia’s aggression creates a serious situation that jeopardizes the foundations of international order which encompasses not only Europe but also Asia, stated that such unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force are completely unacceptable, and strongly condemned the harming of civilians in violation of international law. Minister Momen stated that he is also seriously concerned by the situation in Ukraine. The two ministers concurred to continue to work together closely in response to the situation in Ukraine. In addition, both ministers confirmed that they will continue to coordinate with each other in their response to North Korea, including the launch of an ICBM-class ballistic missile on March 24 and the abductions issue. The two ministers also reaffirmed continued cooperation on global issues such as the climate change.
- Both ministers shared the view to further enhance bilateral relations, including the strengthening of high-level visits, cultural exchanges, people-to-people exchanges, and economic relations, taking the opportunity presented by this year marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.