Dhaka, Tokyo forge new partnership

Japan and Bangladesh have embarked on a new era of relationships for “global peace and stability”.

Nurul Islam Hasibbdnews24.com
Published : 27 May 2014, 01:31 PM
Updated : 27 May 2014, 01:38 PM

The new “comprehensive partnership” was launched during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her counterpart Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Monday.

Hasina is currently in Japan on her first bilateral visit to any country after assuming office in January for the second successive term.

The two prime ministers launched the “Japan-Bangladesh comprehensive partnership”, which had been discussed during the Japanese foreign minister’s Dhaka visit in March, the statement issued after the talks said.

They decided to detail the modalities “at the earliest”.

Japan, which recognised Bangladesh soon after independence, is the country's biggest bilateral development partner.

So far, it has provided $ 11 billion as assistance, mostly by way of grants.

During Monday's meeting, Abe pledged to provide nearly $ 6 billion in additional assistance for the next four to five years starting this year.

Both the heads of government affirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation “by elevating the friendly relationship to a new partnership”.

They looked forward to working closely to attain global peace and stability.

They agreed that they would strengthen policy dialogue so as to deepen cooperation in an evolving global security environment.

The two countries also endorsed the launch of the bilateral Foreign-Secretary-level dialogue and hoped to deepen bilateral policy dialogue and cooperation.

Hasina welcomed Japan’s increasing efforts to contribute actively to securing regional and global peace, stability and prosperity.

She expressed her support and appreciation for Japan’s policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation.

Prime Minister Abe conveyed his deep appreciation for the expression of support.

Abe apprised Hasina of the situation in the South China Sea on which China and Japan are at loggerheads.

Hasina and Abe underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and shared the view that international disputes and issues should be resolved peacefully.

They also stressed that all concerned countries should abide by international law and globally agreed norms and practices.

The two prime ministers also underscored the importance of the freedom of over-flight over the high seas and civil aviation safety, in accordance with the principles of international law and the relevant standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

They affirmed the importance of integrated approaches to protection, promotion and development of marine natural resources and all marine sectors in the adjoining oceans and seas, in accordance with international law.

The two shared the intention to deepen cooperation on creating sustainable employment for the benefit of the peoples from the perspectives of ocean-based economy, including through sustainable fisheries and exploration and development of marine resources, renewable energy, oceanographic research, shipping and tourism.

Hasina invited Japan at the Expert Group Meeting on Blue Economy scheduled in Dhaka this September.

Abe praised Bangladesh’s contribution to peacekeeping and peace-building efforts.

The two prime ministers affirmed that bilateral and multilateral cooperation in this field would further deepen.

Abe also expressed his eagerness to share Japan’s experience, and sending experts to establish a Peace Building Center in Bangladesh.

He offered assistance to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the field of peacekeeping and peace-building training.

They agreed on the need for early United Nations Security Council reforms to reflect contemporary geo-political realities.

Hasina reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for Japan’s aspiration for permanent membership of the Security Council.

The two prime ministers shared the international community's concern over North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile development programmes, including ballistic missile launches in March this year.

They strongly urged North Korea to fully comply with its obligations under all the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and its commitments under the 2005 Six-Party Talks Joint Statement.

Both leaders agreed on expanding economic cooperation in promoting mutual interest and regional prosperity.

Hasina said she looked forwards Japanese cooperation in specific projects such as the construction of the Ganges Barrage, multi-modal tunnel under river Jamuna, a dedicated Railway Bridge on the river Jamuna, multi-modal Dhaka Eastern Bypass, and the ecological restoration of four rivers around Dhaka.

She welcomedAbe's proposal of sending a mission to identify and discuss with the Bangladeshi side details of economic cooperation.

They agreed to closely collaborate and cooperate in project formulation and implementation.

Prime Minister Hasina sought Japan’s help in the field of nuclear safety and security.

In this regard, the two leaders decided to start a dialogue between experts on the peaceful and safe uses of nuclear energy in Bangladesh.

Hasina hoped Japan would consider cooperating with Bangladesh on a nuclear power plant project in future.

They two leaders also stressed collaboration in the medical sector.

They noted that an introduction of Japan’s high-level medical expertise would contribute greatly to the development of Bangladesh's medical and health sectors.

Abe and Hasina welcomed the initiative to dispatch medical inspection mission from Bangladesh to Japan this August.

They also welcomed the cooperation between medical professionals of both countries, such as a plan to build a hospital introducing Japanese medical technologies, and the establishment of an ultrasound training centre in Bangladesh.