Tarique Rahman, Takaichi Hold Bilateral Summit in Tokyo

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, held a bilateral summit in Tokyo on Tuesday to strengthen their countries’ strategic partnership, boost trade and investment, and expand cooperation in key sectors.

The talks began at 11:45am local time at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei.

Takaichi warmly welcomed Tarique upon his arrival at the Kantei. The Bangladeshi prime minister was also accorded a guard of honour by a contingent of the Japanese armed forces.

Following the welcome ceremony, Takaichi introduced members of her cabinet to Tarique, who then introduced the members of his delegation to the Japanese prime minister.

The two leaders were scheduled to make a joint announcement on the outcome of their talks.

Takaichi was also scheduled to host a luncheon in Tarique’s honour from 12:30pm to 1:10pm. At the beginning of the luncheon, she was expected to deliver brief welcoming remarks and propose a toast, followed by a reply and return toast from Tarique.

Tarique is leading a high-level delegation that includes Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

Other members of the delegation include Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General and Nezame Islam Party Acting Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi, along with Am Janatar Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman, are also accompanying the prime minister.

The national flags of Bangladesh and Japan were displayed along the road leading to the Japanese prime minister’s office to welcome Tarique.

He later signed the visitors’ book at the entrance to the building’s main hall before the two leaders sat down for bilateral talks.

Tarique arrived in Tokyo on Monday morning for a four-day visit at Takaichi’s invitation. He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakasone Yasutaka.

This is Tarique’s third overseas state visit since taking office on February 17. He previously visited Malaysia and China and travelled to New York in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.