Dhaka, July 2 (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a courtesy meeting with a Japanese delegation led by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tamaki at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon.
Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Zahidul Islam Rony said the delegation included Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr Akihiko Tanaka.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress of several JICA-funded development projects in Bangladesh, including the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, the MRT lines, and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Prime Minister Rahman expressed optimism that construction of the airport's third terminal would be completed on schedule, paving the way for its inauguration by December, the deputy press secretary said.
The meeting also discussed Japan's financial assistance to help Bangladesh address its energy challenges. According to Rony, Japan responded positively to Bangladesh's request to increase its support from US$312 million to US$500 million.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to expediting the implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The Japanese delegation informed the Prime Minister that Japan would provide five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy.
The Rohingya crisis also featured prominently in the discussions. Prime Minister Rahman sought Japan's continued support and a more proactive role in the international arena to facilitate the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
The delegation extended an invitation to Prime Minister Rahman to visit Japan. He expressed his hope of undertaking the visit at a mutually convenient time, Rony added.
Representing Bangladesh at the meeting were Finance and Planning Adviser Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, the Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, and the Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Foreign Employment in the Asia-Pacific region, Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan.
The Japanese side included Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi, Director of the International Cooperation Bureau at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hirose Aiko, JICA President Dr Akihiko Tanaka, and Chief Representative of the JICA Bangladesh Office Takahashi Junko.
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