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Bangladesh and Japan have pledged to deepen their strategic partnership, aiming to bolster cooperation across key sectors including trade, investment, energy, and defense. The commitment was solidified during the seventh Bangladesh-Japan Foreign Office Consultations held in Dhaka, where officials from both nations engaged in comprehensive discussions.

Led by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam for Bangladesh and Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Namazu Hiroyuki for Japan, the talks covered bilateral relations, high-level exchanges, the BIG-B Initiative, green energy, and people-to-people contacts. A significant focus was placed on the repatriation of Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh and cooperation on regional and global issues, including within the United Nations framework.

Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Namazu Hiroyuki outlined Japan’s vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and confirmed Tokyo's ongoing support for Bangladesh through the Economic Partnership Agreement, the BIG-B Initiative, and Official Security Assistance. He welcomed the recent handover of five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy, highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two countries, which he noted was founded by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam expressed optimism that the Economic Partnership Agreement would stimulate Japanese investment in Bangladesh. He acknowledged Japan's crucial support for major development projects under the BIG-B Initiative, such as the Matarbari Deep Sea Port and Power Project, the Dhaka Metro Rail, and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Siam also called for increased opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers in Japan and enhanced educational, cultural, and civil society exchanges to foster mutual understanding.

Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Siam reiterated Bangladesh's call for their sustainable return to Myanmar, while thanking Japan for its consistent support. On international matters, both countries affirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and agreed to maintain close coordination. Prime Minister Takaichi extended an invitation to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Japan at a convenient time.

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The Japanese official highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries, saying its foundation was laid by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.