Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is visiting Japan on a four-day trip. On Tuesday (October 27), he held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at 11:30 am local time.

Following the meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared details of the talks in a post on Facebook. Posting a photograph with Tarique Rahman, she expressed Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s new government and its commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

In her post, Takaichi wrote, “Today, we held a summit meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is visiting Japan. As a friend who shares values such as democracy and the rule of law, I am delighted to congratulate Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in person on his inauguration. Japan will strongly support his government, established through a democratically held general election, and his efforts to build the nation.”

She added, “From this perspective, we discussed cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan today. Bangladesh is an important partner in realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). We reaffirmed our commitment to advancing the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), one of the key pillars of cooperation between our two countries. We will also promote a new strategic cooperation initiative with Prime Minister Rahman under the banner of ‘Sharing Prosperity BIG-B.’”

The Japanese prime minister said, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman referred to Japan’s journey as a peaceful nation and its early recognition of Bangladesh’s independence. He also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people and for the extensive support and cooperation provided by the Japanese government and people across various sectors.”

Takaichi further wrote, “Bangladesh, connecting Southeast Asia and South Asia, is extremely important to Japan’s economy, with its young market of 170 million people offering enormous potential.”

She said the joint statement issued by the two leaders under the strategic partnership between the countries would play an important role in promoting strength and prosperity through public- and private-sector initiatives.

Concluding her post, the Japanese prime minister said she would work closely with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to promote peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.