Bangladesh
Bangladesh-Japan Dhaka, Tokyo decide to increase defence and economic cooperation
Dhaka, April 28: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio welcomed the start of talks on defence equipment and technology transfer agreements, recognizing the future potential.
According to a joint statement issued in Tokyo on Thursday, the two Prime Ministers decided to promote the bilateral relationship as a 'strategic partnership' to lead the journey of the two countries for the next 50 years and beyond.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation, especially cooperation for peace and stability in the region and beyond, deepening economic cooperation for mutual benefit and regional prosperity, and expanding cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Both Prime Ministers welcomed the recent visit to Chittagong by a few ships of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and the high-level reciprocal visit of the Japan Self-Defense Force and the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
In light of the Memorandum of Cooperation and Exchange formed between the defense authorities of both sides, they agreed to continue security cooperation such as mutual visits of various ships and aircraft, unit-to-unit exchanges, training programs and goodwill exercises.
Also, both the Prime Ministers have decided to consider opening a Defence Wing at their Tokyo embassy and a National Security Wing at their embassy in Dhaka in the near future. Furthermore, they agreed to enhance dialogue between the respective diplomatic and defense authorities to identify possible ways to strengthen security cooperation.
Prime Minister Kishida outlined Japan's efforts to strengthen defense capabilities and strengthen diplomatic efforts in accordance with the new national security strategy, national defense strategy and defense buildup programme.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina outlined Bangladesh's plans and initiatives to modernize the armed forces under Forces Goal 2030. Both Prime Ministers highlighted the efforts of both countries to contribute to their respective regional security.
Sheikh Hasina referred to the establishment of official security assistance by Japan, a new cooperation framework for the benefit of the armed forces and other related organizations of like-minded countries for the purpose of deepening security cooperation and expressed hope for future cooperation under this framework.
