Tarique-Takaichi summit begins in Tokyo

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have begun their bilateral summit. The meeting started at 11:45 am local time on Tuesday at the Japanese prime minister’s official office, known as Kantei, in Tokyo.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is leading the Bangladeshi delegation, while Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is leading her country’s delegation. Strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, and various aspects of economic cooperation are expected to receive priority during the meeting.

Earlier, Takaichi warmly welcomed Tarique Rahman when he arrived at the Japanese prime minister’s office at 11:30 am local time. He was then accorded a formal guard of honor. The Bangladesh prime minister received the salute from a well turned out contingent of the armed forces and inspected the guard. The national anthems of both countries were played on the occasion.

The Japanese prime minister later introduced Tarique Rahman to members of her Cabinet. The Bangladesh prime minister also introduced members of his entourage to the Japanese prime minister.

Among those attending the bilateral meeting from Bangladesh are Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Telecommunications and Information Technology Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, also known as Ashik Chowdhury, and Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman.

Also attending the meeting are Shakirul Islam Khan, special assistant for overseas employment in the Asia Pacific region; Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam; Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury; and Shahriar Kader Siddiqui, secretary for economic relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with relevant officials.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at Narita International Airport in Tokyo on Monday morning aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight for a four day state visit. His wife, Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him.

The prime minister’s visit is being viewed as an important opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan, attract Japanese investment and create new avenues for economic cooperation.