Bangladesh and Japan to Host 6th FOC in Tokyo This Thursday

Bangladesh and Japan Set to Hold 6th Foreign Office Consultation Ahead of Dr. Yunus’s May 28 Visit

Bangladesh and Japan will hold their sixth Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Tokyo this Thursday, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance their strategic partnership. The meeting comes just ahead of the official visit by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to Japan, scheduled for May 28.

Leading the Bangladesh delegation will be Dr. Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Japan’s delegation will be headed by Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Akihiro Tsukii. The discussions are set to cover a wide range of issues critical to both nations, including economic and defense cooperation, Japanese investment in Bangladesh, the Indo-Pacific strategy, and the ongoing Rohingya crisis. The developments in Myanmar and regional security concerns will also be on the agenda.

In preparation for the upcoming FOC, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Saida Shinichi, held separate meetings with Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and Secretary (East) Dr. Nazrul Islam at the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka. Following these meetings, Ambassador Saida emphasized that economic relations would be a key focus of the consultation, and both sides would explore future opportunities for investment.

Ambassador Saida also reiterated Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s infrastructure projects, specifically highlighting Japan’s interest in assisting the development of Dhaka’s second and third metro rail lines. The ambassador noted that Japan remains a steadfast partner in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, a vital area of collaboration between the two nations.

Regarding the proposed humanitarian corridor for Rohingya refugees, the ambassador stated that such an initiative would be a positive step, provided it is sustainable and effective in addressing the ongoing crisis.

Additionally, Bangladesh and Japan are expected to discuss issues related to people-to-people connectivity, regional peace, and future strategic cooperation, all of which are seen as important elements in deepening the ties between the two countries.

The previous round of consultations, the fifth FOC, took place in Dhaka in June 2024. This upcoming meeting in Tokyo will continue efforts to foster mutual understanding and promote collaboration in various sectors.