ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Japan government is firmed to provide its continued supports in various projects and socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Ito Naoki stated this as he paid a courtesy call on President M Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban here this evening.

The Government of Japan is working on various projects, including construction of different mega projects like Metrorail and Third Terminal in Bangladesh . . . Its cooperation will continue in the future as well,” President’s Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin quoted the Japanese envoy as saying.

Japan is proud to be able to help in the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Bangladesh, Naoki added.

The ambassador also handed over a congratulatory message from the Emperor of Japan Naruhito to President M Abdul Hamid on the occasion of the Great Independence and National Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh-Japan Diplomatic Ties.

On behalf of the Emperor of Japan, the ambassador conveyed greetings and congratulations to the Government and the people of Bangladesh on these very occasions here.

The Emperor wished the overall welfare and progress of Bangladesh and its people, the Bangabhaban spokesman added.

During the meeting, President Hamid termed Japan as an important development partner of Bangladesh and highlighted Japan’s contribution to the reconstruction of post-independence Bangladesh.

He said Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been playing a very important role in various sectors, including infrastructural development in urban and rural areas in Bangladesh.

The President also thanked the Government of Japan for its sincere cooperation in providing vaccines and other equipments to combat the lethal COVID-19 pandemic.

Referring to the visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in 1973, President Hamid said the relationship between the two countries which started after the Independence has now expanded in various fields, including trade and commerce.

This relationship would strengthen in the days to come, the President hoped.

Secretaries concerned to the President were present there. (BSS)