Japan-Bangladesh Relations
Japan-Bangladesh Leaders Telephone Talk
On August 5, commencing at around 4:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Prime Minister of Japan ABE Shinzo held a Japan-Bangladesh leaders telephone talk with H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The overview is as follows. At the onset of the discussion, Prime Minister Abe expressed his sympathy over the flood victims during the monsoon season in Bangladesh and offered his condolences for the victims of the massive explosion in Lebanon. In response, Prime Minister Hasina similarly offered words of sympathy for those in Japan affected by the recent torrential rain.
1. Both leaders welcomed the fact that the exchange of notes had been signed earlier on that day under which an ODA Loan Agreement would be provided in response to the ongoing novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) crisis in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Hasina expressed her gratitude for the support from Japan and both leaders agreed to firmly cooperate toward containing the spread of COVID-19.
2. Both leaders affirmed that the development of Bangladesh through regional connectivity would contribute to the overall stability of the Indo-Pacific Region and, that under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative, Japan and Bangladesh would continue collaborating toward development in Southern Chattogram area, including the highly efficient coal-fired power station, as well as bolstering cooperation which could contribute to long-term decarbonization through supporting the application of renewable energy. Prime Minister Hasina expressed her gratitude for the considerable contributions by Japan. Prime Minister Abe requested Prime Minister Hasina to improve the investment environment in Bangladesh to further promote investment and trade.
3. Prime Minister Abe appreciated the Bangladesh government's effort of accepting displaced persons from Rakhine State, Myanmar, and he also stated that Japan would continue to support Bangladesh and encourage Myanmar to create an environment facilitating their repatriation. In response, Prime Minister Hasina stressed the importance of early repatriation of those displaced persons and expressed her gratitude for Japan's support so far. In closing, Prime Minister Hasina expressed her sincere hope that the Tokyo Olympics in the next year would be a success.