Japan invites PM, eyes stronger ties with Bangladesh

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shinichi Saida, who met Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, conveyed the invitation for the Prime Minister to visit Japan, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs; Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Disaster Management and Relief, and Civil Aviation and Tourism; Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Ministries of Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment; Dr Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment; and Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary were, among others, present.

During the meeting, the Ambassador congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his assumption of office.

The two sides discussed cooperation under the Employment Skill Development Programme (ESDP), with particular focus on skills enhancement and Japanese language training for Bangladeshi workers aspiring to work in Japan.

The Foreign Minister underscored the importance of improved access to information and proposed the development of a digital matchmaking platform to facilitate recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers by Japanese employers.

Discussions were also held on defence procurement, metro rail cooperation and mutual support in international forums.

Earlier in the day, the Japanese Ambassador paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.

Recalling Japan’s early recognition of Bangladesh, the State Minister reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Bangladesh-Japan relations and appreciated Japan’s continued support, including on the Rohingya issue, reports UNB.