Tarique Rahman, Japan’s Takaichi to Hold Bilateral Summit in Tokyo on Tuesday

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, will hold high-level bilateral talks in Tokyo on Tuesday to strengthen their strategic partnership, boost trade and investment, and expand cooperation across key sectors.

The summit is scheduled to begin at 11:45am local time at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei, following a guard of honour for Tarique Rahman, PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin said.

The two leaders will hold discussions until 12:10pm, followed by a joint press announcement at 12:15pm, he added.

The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, expanding trade and commerce, attracting investment, enhancing Japanese cooperation in various sectors, and exchanging views on international issues.

Takaichi will formally welcome Tarique Rahman before the summit talks begin. The Bangladesh prime minister will lead a high-level delegation to the meeting, Shahadat said.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Tokyo on Monday morning for a four-day official visit at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart. Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yasutaka Nakasone received him at Narita International Airport.

The Bangladesh delegation includes Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

Other members include Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Shakirul Islam Khan, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General and Nezame Islam Party Acting Secretary General Azizul Hoque Islamabadi, along with Am Janata Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman, are also accompanying the prime minister.

Following the bilateral talks, Tarique Rahman will attend a luncheon hosted by Takaichi.

The Japan visit is Tarique Rahman’s third overseas state visit since taking office on February 12 last year. He previously travelled to Malaysia and China on state visits and visited New York in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.