PM greets her new Japanese counterpart

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has congratulated newly appointed Japanese Premier Fumio Kishida.

In a message wrote to her Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, she extended heartiest felicitations on behalf of the Government and the People of Bangladesh as well as her own behalf, according to Press Wing of the Prime Minister.

Sheikh Hasina emphasized his election as the 100th Prime Minister of Japan is a “manifestation of the trust and confidence reposed on his able and dynamic leadership by the people of Japan, your party- the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and the Diet”.

She reiterated that since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, both the countries have been enjoying excellent relations which are based-on mutual trust, respect, friendship, and cooperation.

Sheikh Hasina recalled the historic visit of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in this particular month of October in 1973 laid the foundation of an unwavering and lasting friendship between the two countries.

The premier expressed with confidence that time-tested friendship has now evolved into a “Comprehensive Partnership” which have been agreed to elevate to “Strategic Partnership” by her government.

She stated that “We particularly look forward to celebrating the golden jubilee of our diplomatic relations next year with much fanfare.”

The premier hoped that the existing cordial ties between the two countries will be further strengthened in the days to come.

Sheikh Hasina said she is encouraged by the increased Japanese investment in the infrastructure development of Bangladesh.

She also noted with happiness that the Japanese companies are attracted by the favorable investment climate in Bangladesh.

The prime minister said she believes their wider engagements would be mutually beneficial.

She also acknowledged with deep appreciation the cooperation and assistance by the government and the people of Japan during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Sheikh Hasina expressed her commitment, after overcoming from this pandemic, both countries need to reengage, recommit and revitalize the relations with mutually trusted partners.

She said, “Bangladesh and Japan, as trusted partners and peace-loving nations, have always worked together in supporting each other in various international fora and in promoting global peace, progress, and prosperity.”

Sheikh Hasina continued: “We share a common stand on resolving the crisis of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar’s Rakhine state, Sheikh Hasina said I seek your support for an early voluntary, safe and sustainable repatriation of these displaced and distressed people to their ancestral homes in Rakhine.”

She recalled Fumio’s past visit in Bangladesh and also renewed a fresh invitation to visit again at convenience as Prime Minister of Japan to Bangladesh with a view to have the eye witness of Japan-Bangladesh signature projects.

Sheikh Hasina further expressed her deep commitment to work closely with Fumio and his cabinet as she has been maintaining partnership with his predecessors Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide, to further consolidated the bilateral relations between our two countries.

Finally, she conveyed her best wishes to Fumio Kishida’s good health, long life and happiness, and the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the friendly people of Japan. (BSS)